Scope
Description
The BEEMS (British Energy Estuarine and Marine Studies) programme is funded by Sizewell C Limited. Through this programme, Cefas provide authoritative scientific information on the marine and transitional waters in the vicinity of potential new build nuclear power stations and require the Supplier to deliver the elements described below. The purpose of this project is to provide bathymetric data at Sizewell to assess the geomorphological changes of the region, hence contributing to the ongoing monitoring of the Sizewell Coastline. These surveys are a regulatory requirement under the Development Consent Order's (DCO) conditions and the Coastal Processes Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (CPMMP). Cefas anticipate 4 - 6 Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) bathymetric surveys to IHO Special Order (at a minimum) within the Greater Sizewell Bay (GSB) for a 12-month period between October 2025 and September 2026 (with the option to extend for up to 4 additional years), roughly following a quarterly schedule with the potential for additional surveys subject to requirements. Exact survey dates will be agreed between Cefas and the supplier during the pre-survey kick off meetings, however the timings for surveys are dependent on construction schedules so may be subject to change at short notice. We currently expect the first survey to be required in October/November 2025, with following surveys in approximately January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026. A Core Contract will be awarded to the top ranked Supplier and up to 3 Call-Off Contracts will be awarded to the next 3 ranked Suppliers. Full details are in the Bidder Pack, available from the eProcurement system once Suppliers have registered their interest.
Total value (estimated)
- £500,000 excluding VAT
- £600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 October 2025 to 12 October 2027
- Possible extension to 12 October 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Up to 3 x further periods of 12 months each
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 63726800 - Research vessel services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
As per Bidder Pack
Technical ability conditions of participation
As per Bidder Pack
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
3 September 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
12 September 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)
15 September 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 70.00% |
| Price | Price | 20.00% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
As per Bidder Pack
Description of risks to contract performance
Prolonged Adverse Weather Due to tidal limitations on the surveys, prolonged adverse weather could impact the ability to obtain the dataset for a specific month. This could result in additional costs and/or 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 is provided for in the Contract. Risk assigned to both parties. Prolonged Adverse Weather. Due to tidal limitations on the surveys, prolonged adverse weather could impact the ability to obtain the dataset for a specific month. This could result in additional costs and/or 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 is provided for in the Contract. Risk assigned to both parties. Change in frequency of survey requirements. Due to changing requirements from Sizewell C, frequency or timings of surveys could change. This could result in additional costs in order to meet the requirements. Unable to address the risk upfront as neither Buyer or Supplier has control over the Sizewell C project planning or regulatory requirements. Proportionate mitigations provided for in the Contract. 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
This is a recurring requirement with a well known market.
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