Scope
Reference
C29870
Description
The Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis Framework (2025-2033) is an open framework agreement led by the Environment Agency on behalf of the Defra Group, with an estimated value of £4.9 million over eight years (excluding VAT).
It aims to procure laboratory services for the analysis of approximately 500 marine Macrobenthic invertebrate samples annually from UK estuarine, coastal, and offshore waters.
These analyses support statutory monitoring under directives such as the Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive.
The framework will operate through multiple geographic or sample-type lots and individual projects awarded via mini-competitions.
The framework starts on 12 December 2025 and may run until 11 December 2033, subject to extensions. The initial contract period will expire on 11 December 2028.
The Framework will comprise of 5 Suppliers at the start of the Agreement.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Contract 1. Open Framework Contract for the supply of Services for Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis on behalf of the Environment Agency
Suppliers (5)
- APEM Limited
- Hebog Environmental Limited
- Ocean Ecology Limited
- Thomson Environmental Consultants Limited
- University of Hull
Contract value
- £4,900,000 excluding VAT
- £5,880,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
4 November 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
7 November 2025
Standstill period
- End: 25 November 2025
- 0 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
28 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 November 2025 to 25 November 2028
- Possible extension to 25 November 2033
- 7 years, 11 months, 28 days
Description of possible extension:
Up to 8 years (3+1+2+2), ending no later than 25 November 2033.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Each Contract will be awarded for 3 years with the option to extend.
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Information about tenders
- 5 tenders received
- 5 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 3 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 5 suppliers awarded contracts
- 0 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Suppliers
APEM Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHWL-6298-CTCP
APEM Limited Riverview A17 Embankment Business Park Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 3GN United Kingdom
Stockport
SK4 3GN
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@apemltd.co.uk
Region: UKD35 - Greater Manchester South East
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Open Framework Contract for the supply of Services for Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis on behalf of the Environment Agency
Hebog Environmental Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXPV-6275-NRDW
Mentec Deiniol Road Bangor Gwynedd LL57 2UP United Kingdom
Gwynedd
LL57 2UP
United Kingdom
Region: UKL12 - Gwynedd
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Open Framework Contract for the supply of Services for Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis on behalf of the Environment Agency
Ocean Ecology Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGWV-4561-PXYN
River Office Severnside Park Epney GL2 7LN United Kingdom
Epney
GL2 7LN
United Kingdom
Email: at@osc.co.uk
Region: UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Open Framework Contract for the supply of Services for Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis on behalf of the Environment Agency
Thomson Environmental Consultants Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNTZ-6879-JRHW
Compass House 60 Priestley Road Surrey Research Park Guildford GU2 7AG United Kingdom
Guildford
GU2 7AG
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@thomsonec.com
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Open Framework Contract for the supply of Services for Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis on behalf of the Environment Agency
University of Hull
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGQV-8647-LZDM
University of Hull Cottingham Road Kingston Upon Hull Hull HU6 7RX United Kingdom
Hull
HU6 7RX
United Kingdom
Email: w.a.musk@hull.ac.uk
Region: UKE11 - Kingston upon Hull, City of
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Open Framework Contract for the supply of Services for Marine Macrobenthic Invertebrate Sample Analysis on behalf of the Environment Agency
Contracting authority
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Harry Dundas
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: Commercial Procurement Function - Facilitator
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Defra Group Commercial
Email: dgcenquiries@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster