Scope
Reference
250287
Description
Queen's University of Belfast wishes to procure an Electrically Insulated Raceway Tank and Holding Tank System to be situated outside at the Queen's Marine Laboratory in Portaferry, and must fit on a concrete platform. The raceway tank must not be much larger than 9 x 2.5m, and holding tanks must be circular with 2m diameter. This system is to support experimental work on measuring the effects of electrical fields on elasmobranchs (e.g. sharks, skates, rays).
The overarching goal of this procurement is the successful design, construction, and operational commissioning of a bespoke, electrically insulated marine animal housing system at the Queen's University Marine Laboratory (QML). This system must meet stringent biological and electromagnetic shielding specifications to enable the core ELASMO project experimental protocols.
The successful delivery of this requirement will result in four key outcomes:
• Secure Housing: The provision of a stable, high-welfare environment for the long-term maintenance of OSPAR-listed elasmobranch species.
• Research Readiness: A fully operational raceway and holding tank system compliant with the requisite electrical insulation standards for sensitive electrophysiology experiments.
• Project Compliance: Fulfilment of a critical infrastructure deliverable required to unlock and progress the objectives of the DAERA-funded ELASMO project.
• System to be delivered and Commissioned Before 01 April 2026
Total value (estimated)
- £260,416 excluding VAT
- £312,500 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 December 2025 to 22 December 2027
- Possible extension to 22 December 2035
- 10 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 39298800 - Aquariums
Contract locations
- UKN06 - Belfast
Engagement
Engagement deadline
21 October 2025
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
Queen's staff have undertaken pre-market engagement activity with a number of suppliers.
The activity was undertaken in order to:
1- gain a better understanding of what the market can offer and if the market is capable of responding to a tender in relation to this requirement;
2- identify potential suppliers for the requirement;
3- understand potential lead times, and
4- gain an understanding of the commercial profile for the requirement
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
6 November 2025
Contracting authority
Queen's University Belfast
- Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: 101788
University Rd
Belfast
BT7 1NN
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland