Scope
Reference
C32142
Description
The BEEMS (British EDF Estuarine and Marine Studies) programme is funded by NNB Generation Company Sizewell C (NNB GenCo SZC). Through this programme, Cefas provide authoritative scientific information on the marine and transitional waters in the vicinity of potential new build nuclear power stations and require a Supplier to deliver the element described below.
To support the delivery of the BEEMS Programme, Cefas require the Supplier to provide aerial data collection using a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in the Sizewell to Thorpeness region on a quarterly basis. It is anticipated that the first flight will be undertaken in March 2026 and the final flight in December 2028 (with extension options as per point 4).
On occasion, additional flights may be required, therefore Cefas requests a day rate cost in Appendix 6, for flights of a similar nature in the vicinity of Sizewell area.
The purpose of this work is to safely conduct regular RPA flights in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines at the above locations for the purpose of acquiring survey data to meet environmental monitoring requirements.
Cefas requires the Supplier's flight team to manage the planning, notifications, and safe execution of each survey.
The Contract implementation is expected to start February 2026, and the initial Contract period will end 31 December 2028, with the option to extend by 2 further periods of 12 months each to maximum end date of 31 December 2030.
See Bidder Pack for full specification.
Prior Market Engagement was not conducted as the market is well known to Cefas with a reasonably small pool of supplier, including many SMEs, who can meet our requirements.
Total value (estimated)
- £165,000 excluding VAT
- £200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 February 2026 to 31 December 2028
- Possible extension to 31 December 2030
- 4 years, 10 months, 17 days
Description of possible extension:
2 x 12 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79311000 - Survey services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
As per Bidder Pack
Technical ability conditions of participation
As per Bidder Pack
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
12 January 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
19 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://atamis-9529.my.site.com/s/Welcome
All bids to be submitted via the above eProcurement system.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 January 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 65.00% |
| Cost | Cost | 25.00% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
As per Bidder Pack
Description of risks to contract performance
Interaction and/or protests from the public
Due to the location of the service performance and public interest in the SZC project, potential for protests and interactions / interference from public.
This could result in the need to stop flights or reschedule, or requirement for more staff to be on site to help manage the situation, potentially increasing costs and changing timeframes for delivery.
Unable to address risk as neither Cefas or Supplier has control over the public.
Risk assigned to both parties.
Prolonged Adverse Weather
Due to tidal limitations on the surveys, prolonged adverse weather could impact the ability to obtain the dataset for a specific month.
This could result in additional costs and/or contract extension in order to meet the requirements.
Unable to address the risk upfront as weather is beyond control of Buyer or Supplier.
Proportionate mitigation for some weather risk is provided for in the Contract.
Risk assigned to both parties.
Change in frequency of flight requirements
Due to changing schedule at SZC, frequency and or timing of flights could change. This may result in the need for additional surveys or a different schedule of surveys than those planned.
This could result in additional costs in order to meet the requirements.
Unable to address the risk upfront as neither Buyer or Supplier has control over the SZC project scheduling.
Proportionate allowance within the estimated total value is provided for in the Contract.
Risk assigned to Buyer.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPGW-5299-JGTN
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
NR33 0HT
United Kingdom
Contact name: Holly Power
Email: procure@cefas.gov.uk
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government