Scope
Reference
C32988
Description
This Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been developed to define how the APHA and Bristol Zoological Society shall work together for the continuation and expansion of the Aquatic Quality Award (AQUA) biosecurity accreditation and certification scheme across England and into Wales.
The AQUA scheme - as a biosecurity accreditation/certification scheme to reduce the impact and spread of Invasive Alien Species in freshwater aquatic, riparian and coastal environments – was originally a regional pilot in the South-West of England, run by the Partner, in conjunction with the Authority, Southwest Water, and the Southwest Lakes Trust. This was through the RAPID (Reducing and Preventing Invasive Alien Species Dispersal) LIFE Project. The continuation and expansion of the AQUA Scheme across England and into Wales and Scotland shall maintain and develop the benefits from the regional pilot and support the legacy of the RAPID LIFE Project.
This MoA shall commence on 01 April 2025 and (subject to earlier termination on the terms of this MoA) shall continue until 31 March 2027 which period may be extended by the written agreement of the Parties. The MoA was signed on 05 February 2026.
Contract 1. Aquatic Water Quality Award Scheme
Supplier
Contract value
- £20,000 excluding VAT
- £24,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
5 February 2026
Contract dates
- 6 February 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Possible extension to 31 March 2028
- 2 years, 1 month, 23 days
Description of possible extension:
12.1. This MoA shall commence on 01 April 2025 and (subject to earlier termination on the terms of this MoA) shall continue until 31 March 2027 which period may be extended by the written agreement of the Parties.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79132000 - Certification services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
Bristol Zoological Society
Wild Place Project Blackhorse Hill
Bristol
BS10 7TP
United Kingdom
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Contract 1. Aquatic Water Quality Award Scheme
Contracting authority
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBHC-6261-BLLQ
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government