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
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 22 December 2025 to 22 December 2027
- Possible extension to 22 December 2035
- 10 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
with an option to extend the purchase of consumables, additional tanks and ancillary items beyond this period to the end of the useful life of the equipment
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 39298800 - Aquariums
Contract locations
- UKN06 - Belfast
Submission
Enquiry deadline
25 November 2025, 4:00pm
Tender submission deadline
2 December 2025, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
8 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | 1. Mandatory Technical Requirements PASS/FAIL 2. Sustainable Procurement 5% 3. Price 95% |
Price |
Weighting description
1. Mandatory Technical Requirements PASS/FAIL
2. Sustainable Procurement 5%
3. Price 95%
Other information
Payment terms
30 days after delivery on receipt of a valid and undisputed invoice.
Description of risks to contract performance
QUB recognises that certain risks associated with the procurement and operation of an Electrically Insulated Raceway Tank and Holding Tank System are not fully quantifiable at the time of tender. These 'known unknowns' include, but are not limited to, technology evolution, integration challenges and supply chain disruptions, changes, and increased value or scope due to demand requirements. Suppliers are expected to identify any foreseeable risks, propose mitigation strategies, and demonstrate flexibility in addressing emerging issues throughout the contract lifecycle.
Whilst it is not possible at this stage to fully anticipate the nature or extent of future developments or integration requirements, nor to determine their potential impact on contract performance, QUB recognises that such changes may arise over the course of the contract. Accordingly, it is acknowledged that these circumstances may necessitate a modification of the contract to appropriately address and accommodate any emerging risks or requirements.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/queensuniversitybelfast/aspx/Home
Suppliers wishing to express an interest in this tender must register at this address and download the documentation
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