Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0HT
Contact
Giovana Cousseau
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Environment
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
ITT for 'SeaScope' data management and data science development
Reference number
CEFAS25-53
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72212983 - Development software development services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Via the CCS RM6292 Cloud Compute 2 Framework, Lot 3 - Cefas require provision of a Microsoft Fabric Environment to provide Data Management and wider Microsoft Fabric Environment Capabilities and Data Science Services within Cefas.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £800,000
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 72212983 - Development software development services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Cefas is looking to engage a Technology Partner skilled in the implementation of the Microsoft Fabric environment and related Data Science Azure based services for a multi-year programme to build a Microsoft Fabric environment-based data platform and Azure environment to support Cefas Scientists to deliver excellent science.
Cefas science, evidence and advice provides vital insights for decision making on the sustainable use of resources from our rivers, seas and ocean. At a moment when aquatic systems are increasingly threatened by diverse natural and anthropogenic pressures, management is not only becoming more complex but must take place alongside an overarching imperative to improve the status of our waters for the next generation.
This strategy will build upon our heritage as a trusted and impartial provider of science, evidence and advice to government by innovating our approach to data collection, curation, sharing and use.
Healthy and productive marine systems are vital for societal health, wealth and wellbeing. Our work focuses on understanding and mitigating against the triple threat posed by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – allowing for better decision making on sustainable use of resources from our seas and oceans.
Access to, and analysis of, big data from multiple sources and of varying types will be fundamental in complex policy decision making across systems.
The 'SeaScope' will develop a framework for a new, federated approach to marine science data collection, storage, and use by Cefas and partners. It will become a platform for mainstreaming novel data science approaches and remove data and conceptual silos to allow better marine policy decision making.
The combination of new technology and new platforms (like a ship) and integration of data generation will enable deeper understanding of complex marine and fisheries systems, by aligning datasets as never before to offer insights into impacts of management, emergencies, or new proposed uses.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 10
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 80
Cost criterion - Name: Cost / Weighting: 10
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Restricted procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2023/S 000-036728
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
10 October 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 10
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 10
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Hitachi Solutions Europe Ltd
23rd Floor, Heron Tower
London
EC2N 4AY
Telephone
+44 02031985136
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
National registration number
04924233
Internet address
https://www.hitachi-solutions.co.uk/
The contractor is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £800,000
Total value of the contract/lot: £800,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Public Procurement Review Body
N/A
N/A
N/A
publicprocurementreview@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-procurement-review-service-scope-and-remit
six.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
Public Procurement Review Body
N/A
N/A
N/A
publicprocurementreview@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-procurement-review-service-scope-and-remit