Scope
Description
The Sizewell BEEMS (British EDF Estuarine and Marine Studies) programme is funded by Sizewell C Limited (SZC). Through this programme, Cefas provide authoritative scientific information on the marine and transitional waters in the vicinity of the consented SZC new build nuclear power station and require a competent supplier to deliver the element described below. The Ross Worm Sabellaria spinulosa is a sedentary, epifaunal polychaete worm which builds tubes by consolidating particles of sediment (Limpenny et al, 2010). S. spinulosa is abundant in UK waters, largely existing in solitary form or within small, low-lying aggregations (Hayward and Ryland, 1990). However, under the right environmental conditions they also can establish dense colonies and form biogenic reefs. These biogenic reefs are protected as an Annex I habitat under the EU Habitats Directive (EEC, 1992), and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated for their protection. With the aim of improving our understanding of the extent, distribution, and nature of S. spinulosa biogenic reef (i.e. reefiness) across the area of interest, Cefas has commissioned this Contract to deliver a geophysical and bathymetric survey of this area with co-located ground-truthing using an ARIS acoustic imaging system. We have proposed two options as to levels of provision. The primary acquisition will be for a full multispectral Multi Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) bathymetry survey with con-current Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and ARIS ground-truthing. The key element of the requirement is the use of multispectral MBES system. Owing to the focus on multispectral MBES systems, we are providing the following two options for provision under this RFQ. a. PREFERRED Option One - Provision of a hydrographic survey vessel with A-Frame and winch (SWL 150Kg min) and hydrographic survey services b. Option Two - Provision of a hydrographic survey vessel with A-Frame and winch (SWL 150Kg min) and crew only. Option One is the preferred option and this will be the option that is awarded if any submitted bids are determined suitable via the evaluation process. Submitted bids for Option Two will only be evaluated if there are no suitable bids for the preferred Option One. Estimated Budget £25,000 - £40,000
Total value (estimated)
- £40,000 excluding VAT
- £48,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 1 December 2025
- Possible extension to 1 December 2026
- 1 year, 3 months, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
The work is expected to be undertaken in summer 2025 but if marine works schedule changes, then an extension may be agreed by both parties to allow the work to be completed, for a period up to 12 months after the Contract end date.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 63726800 - Research vessel services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Conditions of participation
As per Bidder Pack
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
11 August 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
15 August 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
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 60.00% |
| Price | Price | 30.00% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10.00% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPGW-5299-JGTN
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0HT
United Kingdom
Contact name: Holly Power
Email: procure@cefas.gov.uk
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government