Scope
Description
Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis (2025-2033) The Environment Agency is intending to procure the Services of Suppliers to analyse marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Samples. The Project will be attributed to an Open Framework Agreement, under EA Framework Terms and Conditions.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £4,900,000 excluding VAT
- £5,880,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 November 2025 to 1 November 2033
- 8 years, 1 day
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Duration: Initial 3 years + optional extensions (1+2+2 years)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 90711500 - Environmental monitoring other than for construction
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
1 November 2033
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Further information about fees
n/a
Framework operation description
The Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis Framework (2025-2033). It is an Open Framework under Section 49 of the Procurement Act 2023. The Environment Agency will appoint multiple suppliers per lot, and services will be procured via mini-competitions (i.e., call-offs) under the framework. The framework duration is 3 years + optional extensions (1+2+2 years), ending no later than 1 November 2033.
Award method when using the framework
With competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Environment Agency (EA) Natural England (NE) Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
11 September 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
18 September 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
10 October 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tender (Technical) | The technical and commercial split is 70% technical / 30% Commercial |
Quality | 70.00% |
| Commercial | The technical and commercial split is 70% technical / 30% Commercial |
Cost | 30.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
Rate Card Compliance: All charges must align with the maximum allowable rates set out in the Pricing Schedule and formal rate card. No charges exceeding these rates will be accepted unless explicitly agreed in writing by the contracting authority. Mini-Competitions: Work will be awarded via mini-competitions under the framework, and pricing must reflect the agreed scenario-based rates.
Description of risks to contract performance
Detailed in the Tender and KPIs
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
No preliminary market engagement was conducted prior to the publication of this tender. The requirement is well-defined, and the authority possesses sufficient market knowledge from recent similar procurements. As such, additional engagement was not deemed necessary to inform the procurement strategy or specification. This approach ensures efficient use of resources while maintaining compliance with the principles of transparency, equal treatment, and non-discrimination.
Contracting authority
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH
Email: dgcenquiries@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Managing and facilitating this Procurement
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster