Scope
Reference
C0297
Description
UKRI wishes to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of refit, upgrade and maintenance services for the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
The Framework Agreement (Agreement) will be awarded to a single Supplier for a period of two years with an extension option of up to two years (2+1+1). The Supplier will also be able to provide global support should emergency repairs/dockings be required to be undertaken outside of scheduled maintenance periods.
The Agreement will:
• ensure vessels are maintained to the standards required by UKRI.
• ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with Flag State and Classification Society requirements.
• provide continuity in maintenance standards and utilise one organisation that will gain experience and knowledge of the RRS Sir David Attenborough
• cover the global footprint of operations for RRS Sir David Attenborough
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £9,000,000 excluding VAT
- £10,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The Contract duration shall be for a period of two (2) years with two optional extensions of (1) year each, from commencement of the Contract (2+1+1).
The total duration will not exceed four (4) years.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Option to extend as stated
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 50241000 - Repair and maintenance services of ships
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
1
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The framework agreement will be awarded to a single supplier. Call-off agreements will be awarded as and when required, by direct award.
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
22 December 2025, 2:00pm
Tender submission deadline
16 January 2026, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
To access this opportunity please click here:
Please note the following steps for accessing this opportunity via the Atamis eSourcing platform:
1. Log in or create an account here: https://ukri2.my.site.com
2. Navigate to the opportunity in the Find an Opportunity section of the site or via the direct access link above.
3. Select Register Interest (you will not be able to view the tender documentation without registering an interest).
4. Go back to the main menu and navigate to the My Proposals and Quotes section of the site.
5. Select the opportunity from the list. Tender Documents for download are found in the Documents tab.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
26 February 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 November 2028
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical/Quality | Technical/Quality: 60% |
Quality | 60.00% |
| Price | Price: 30% |
Price | 30.00% |
| Social Value | Social Value: 10% |
Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Contact name: Kate Richardson
Telephone: 01793 442000
Email: nercprocurement@ukri.org
Website: https://www.ukri.org/
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government