Scope
Reference
ITT_121338
Description
This will be a framework agreement to provide scientific divers and support for monitoring Habitats Directive Annex I subtidal reef features within Welsh SACs. Support will be provided as required and may include survey coordination, dive supervision, specialist taxonomic work during dives, and maintenance of monitoring sites.
The anticipated duration of the framework agreement as a whole will be 8 years, but within this timeframe the framework will be split into a series of frameworks (3+3+2) will reopen at year 2029 and 2032. Competition will be re-opened at each point, Further information in Invitation to tender documentation.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 May 2026 to 1 May 2034
- 8 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 98363000 - Diving services
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
Lot 1. Sponge taxonomist
Description
A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have an advanced specialist knowledge and experience in the identification and taxonomy of marine sponges (Porifera), including methods for identification and preservation and will have key literature to assist identification in field laboratory where in situ identification is not possible.
Where suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work, you may be required to provide rolling diver supervisor duties as part of this lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Algal taxonomist
Description
A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have an advanced specialist knowledge and experience in the identification and taxonomy of red, green and brown marine seaweeds, the methods for identification and preservation and key literature to assist identification in field laboratory where in situ identification is not possible.
Where suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work, you may be required to provide rolling diver supervisor duties as part of this lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot LOT3. Non invasive species taxonomist
Description
A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have advanced specialist knowledge and experience in the identification of UK non-native species. They will have excellent taxonomic skills to be able to differentiate these species from similar native species. They will be up to date with such species currently found or likely to be found in Wales and the UK, horizon scanning literature and other sources of information. They will have specialist knowledge in the methods for identification and preservation and key literature to assist identification in field laboratory where in situ identification is not possible.
Where suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work, you may be required to provide rolling diver supervisor duties as part of this lot.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot LOT4. Experienced monitoring surveyor/diving marine biologist
Description
A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have excellent subtidal epibenthic species identification skills, being able to identify common Welsh subtidal species from the following phyla/groups: sponges, hydroids, annelids, molluscs, bryozoans, ascidians, algae and fish. They will be able demonstrate their experience in carrying out a variety of underwater ecological surveying techniques similar to that identified in NRW’s Standard Operating Procedures for our subtidal diving SAC monitoring, including species ‘cell frequency counts’, ‘Sponge morphologies quadrats’, and transect type surveys. They will also be experienced in photography, videography and other marine fieldwork methodologies to carry out our routine monitoring work
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot LOT5. Assistant surveyor
Description
An experienced diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. A scientific diver with biological knowledge - not to be confused with commercial divers who may be an experienced diver but have no biological expertise/knowledge nor training in biological field survey techniques. Able to assist experienced surveyors, carry out videography, targeted sample collection, and surveys where less taxonomic skills are required such as sponge luxuriance, sponge morphology or seagrass surveys.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot LOT6. Diving supervisor
Description
A person suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work in accordance with the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work Regulations. They don’t need to have biological expertise, but they do need to understand the nature of the work and the areas / dive sites where the diving operations are to take place. They will be expected to keep records of diving activities, control the diving operations, liaise with other maritime users and assist with the running of survey logistics. This role is for the supply of a dedicated diving supervisor as opposed to the provision of ad hoc rolling dive supervisor duties whilst providing services under another Lot
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot LOT7. Survey coordinator
Description
A person with the skills and experience to plan, lead and coordinate field logistics and manage dive teams. Close liaison with the NRW project officer assisting in the coordination of survey requirements and field team as needed. Creating HSE Dive Project Plans, liaising with relevant Harbour Authorities and ensuring Notice to Mariners are issued where required. Liaising with recompression chambers facilities ahead of and during surveys to ensure availability in an emergency. Able to ensure the quality of the information gathered (monitoring data, dive logs, field activity diary etc), is secured and appropriately catalogued. Competent in ensuring the completion of an end of survey field report that summarises field operations and (with input from NRW staff) draws summary conclusions from the data collected. It is expected (and will be preferentially selected for) that the coordinator, if suitably skilled and experienced, would also act as one of the above diving and/or supervisor roles
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot LOT8. Data Analyst
Description
A person with a scientific background and preferably a diver with an appreciation of marine biological species and survey methods. They will be adept at transcribing complex data from field recording forms to spreadsheets or into databases such as Marine Recorder Online. Able to check the taxonomic species names in relevant literature where necessary. They will be competent in data validation techniques, use of spreadsheets and statistical software. The analyst may also be required to work with imaging software such Adobe Photoshop and Premiere for stitching images or extracting species data. A knowledge of annotation software BIIGLE and CATAMI would be advantageous. This role may be expected to attend surveys and input data at the survey base but not necessarily take part in diving operations themselves.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
1 May 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
information within the Invitation to tender documents available on etenderwales
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Sponge taxonomist
Lot 2. Algal taxonomist
Lot LOT3. Non invasive species taxonomist
Lot LOT4. Experienced monitoring surveyor/diving marine biologist
Lot LOT5. Assistant surveyor
Lot LOT6. Diving supervisor
Lot LOT7. Survey coordinator
Lot LOT8. Data Analyst
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
27 February 2026, 1:00pm
Tender submission deadline
12 March 2026, 1:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Contractors/bidders should register on the eTendering portal https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk
ii) Once registered, suppliers must express their interest as follows
a) login to the eTendering portal
b) select ITT'
c) select 'ITTs Open To All Suppliers'
d) access the listing relating to the contract (itt_121338 "Diving Services Framework 2026") and view details
e) click on 'Express Interest' button in the 'Actions' box on the left-hand side of the page
iii) Once you have expressed interest, the ITT will move to 'My ITTs', where you can download and view documents and where you can construct your reply as instructed. All Invitation to tender documents are in the "RESPONSE FORM" Tab, there are no documents in the attachment area.
You must then publish your reply using the publish button.
iv) For any support in submitting your expression of interest, please contact the eTendering helpdesk on 0800 0112470 or at help@bravosolution.co.uk.
NOTE: The authority is using eTenderwales to carry out this procurement process. To obtain further information record your interest on Sell2Wales at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/search_switch.aspx?
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
- Welsh
- English
Award decision date (estimated)
20 April 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 2 May 2034
Award criteria
Lot 1. Sponge taxonomist
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| technical | Quality | 70.00% |
| price | Price | 30.00% |
Lot 2. Algal taxonomist
Lot LOT3. Non invasive species taxonomist
Lot LOT4. Experienced monitoring surveyor/diving marine biologist
Lot LOT5. Assistant surveyor
Lot LOT6. Diving supervisor
Lot LOT7. Survey coordinator
Lot LOT8. Data Analyst
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| technical | Quality | 70.00% |
| price | Price | 30.00% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Natural Resources Wales
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBBR-3628-MPRN
Welsh Government Offices Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Jana Paulova
Email: procurement.enquiries@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Website: http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales