Scope
Description
As part of an ongoing research project, Cefas is collaborating with Defra and industry partners to carry out dredge fishing surveys with the aim of determining harvestable biomass of king scallop in the main fishing grounds around England. This Contract seeks to secure a suitable vessel and all management, crew, victuals, fuel, and other services necessary to carry out the requirements. Aims and Objectives The main objectives of the survey will be to: - carry out tows at predetermined survey locations using Newhaven commercial and modified scallop dredges; - count and measure all king scallops in designated survey dredges and retain samples for further analysis in the laboratory; - identify and count bycatch species. Cefas will provide two scientists to oversee the survey operations and undertake the scientific data collection, working with the vessel crew to deliver the objectives of the survey. The Skipper will be required to discuss and agree with the scientists a Detailed Operational Plan (DOP) before commencement of the survey, including the overall objectives and tow locations. This may be done via telephone, video call or onsite visit to the supplier (whatever is more practical with the time permitted). 4. Scope of Requirements Cefas is collaborating with Defra and industry partners to carry out dredge fishing surveys to assess harvestable biomass of king scallop in the main fishing grounds of the English Channel, the Bristol Channel, and along the Yorkshire/Durham coast. The contract is estimated to start in August 2025, or as soon as possible after award. The initial Contract period will be to 31 March 2026, to cover one survey in September 2025, with the option to extend for 3 further periods of 12 months each, subject to funding confirmation. If extended, the requirement will be for one survey in May and one survey in September each year. The aim is to carry out a combined total of up to 260 tows on an annual basis, each tow with the gear on the ground for a duration of 15 minutes, at a speed of 2.5-3.0 knots, using a combination of Newhaven commercial and modified scallop dredges which are deployed simultaneously. 5. Survey Area and Time of Operation / Delivery Period The May survey will be carried out over a period of 12-15 days in specified areas within ICES Divisions 27.7.e and 27.7.f (see Figure 1 below). It shall start as soon as possible after 1st May 2025 and be completed as soon as possible (weather permitting, while adhering to safe working conditions). The September survey will be carried out over a period of 10 days in specified areas within Division 27.7.d (see Figure 2 below) and Division 27.4.b (see Figure 3 below). It shall start as soon as possible after 1st September 2025 and be completed as soon as possible (weather permitting, while adhering to safe working conditions). The exact start and end dates of each survey may vary between the years of the potential Contract extension periods and will be agreed in the Detailed Operational Plan (DOP). Weather forecasts and tides (spring/neap) should be factored into the timing of the surveys and may require flexibility.
Total value (estimated)
- £420,000 excluding VAT
- £504,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 30 March 2029
- 3 years, 7 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
Option to extend for 3 further periods of 12 months each
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 34513100 - Fishing vessels
- 63726700 - Fishing-vessel services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
N/A
Technical ability conditions of participation
N/A
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
25 June 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
4 July 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://atamis-9529.my.site.com/s/Welcome All bids to be submitted via the above eProcurement system
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
21 July 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 60.00% |
| Price | Price | 30.00% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
N/A
Description of risks to contract performance
Adverse Weather - A poor weather event at sea could cause delays to the survey, potential impact on being able to complete the dredge / sample collection, need to go to sea at a different time or additional / repeat survey. This could result in additional costs and contract extension in order to meet the requirements Unable to address the risk upfront as weather is beyond control of Buyer or Supplier. Proportionate mitigation for some weather risk which is provided for in the Contract. - Risk assigned to both parties Vessel / infrastructure collision - A collision between the vessel and other vessels or infrastructure at sea could cause damage to the vessel, resulting in inability to conduct the survey as planned, or with significant delays. This could result in additional costs and contract extension in order to meet the requirements, or in event of vessel being inoperable, re tender would be required. Unable to address the risk upfront as operation of third party vessels is beyond control of Buyer or Supplier. Mitigation on part of Supplier include ensuring competence of crew and vessel, and vessel assurance process. - Risk assigned to both parties Policy changes / changes to scope of work from Customer - Potential for policy changes regarding fishing grounds including changes to locations / closures of grounds, which could result in need to stop survey or for it to be carried out in additional or different locations. Therefore a change of contract scope, costs and timelines may be necessary. Unable to address the risk upfront as customer / funding decision and policy changes are beyond control of Buyer or Supplier. Unable to mitigate - Risk assigned to Buyer
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
The market is a very small unique market of fishing vessels, with whom online engagement and engagement via notices and events is not appropriate or effective. Engagement has been conducted via Producers Organisations and other relevant organisations and groups around the UK.
Contracting authority
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPGW-5299-JGTN
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0HT
United Kingdom
Email: procure@cefas.gov.uk
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government