Tender

Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards Professional Services Contract

MCA - MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderAmendment

30 Jun 2025 at 10:56

Tender Notice
Tender

23 Jun 2022 at 14:07

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) seeks to procure technical assistance services through an open procedure to support its Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards Unit. The contract, titled "Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards Professional Services Contract," involves policy and standards development for maritime radio and navigational equipment. It spans several locations including British Overseas Territories, Channel Islands, Europe, Isle of Man, and the UK, and commenced on 18th July 2022, with an expected end date of 27th January 2027. This active procurement is crucial for maintaining and influencing maritime policy both nationally and internationally. The tender process initially concluded on 7th July 2022, within an open procedure framework under a value of £108,000, suitable for small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

This contract offers compelling growth opportunities for businesses specialising in technical analysis or consultancy services within the maritime sector. Particularly, firms with expertise in navigating international standards for communications and navigation equipment will find this tender well-suited to their capabilities. It provides a platform to engage with prominent bodies like the International Maritime Organization and the International Telecommunications Union, allowing for significant contributions to UK maritime policies and expanding influence within regulatory frameworks internationally. This opportunity enables businesses to enhance their profiles and engage in meaningful policy development activities."

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards Professional Services Contract

Notice Description

The Radio Spectrum and Technical Standards Unit (RSTSU) within MCA has responsibility for, and is a major contributor to, national and international policy and standards development for maritime radio and navigational equipment, this is inclusive of policy and standards work relating to navigation equipment derived from Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Chapters IV and V; and maritime radio communications equipment under the Radio Equipment Regulations (RER). Applicants will potentially be required to contribute and participate in national and international meetings. There are approximately 18 groups developing these radio spectrum, performance and technical requirements, principally the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI). Applying the standards set by these groups forms an essential part of the equipment type approval process under the mandatory Marine Equipment Regulations (MER) and conformity for RER. There is an ongoing need to develop and maintain these standards so that safety is preserved or improved and to ensure that decisions, including those about radio spectrum use, are informed by the needs of UK marine industry. To pursue government policy and represent the interests of UK stakeholders the MCA needs to contribute to and influence the work of these bodies. The objectives of this contract are: - To provide ad hoc expertise on a call off basis in support of the MCA's UK Technical Services Navigation Branch's Radio Spectrum & Technical Standards Unit; - Support the UK Policy line at meetings, as required by RSTSU; - Maintenance and improvement of the reputation of the UK Flag

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-e3559c5e-d16b-4fbc-a393-df95fbf86dae
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8308a1ab-6f0a-4854-9738-a8fc7fd4427f
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

71356200 - Technical assistance services

71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£108,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jun 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
7 Jul 2022Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
17 Jul 2022 - 27 Jan 2027 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MCA - MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
contracts@mcga.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+0000000

Buyer Location

Locality
SOUTHAMPTON
Postcode
SO15 1EG
Post Town
Southampton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ32 Southampton
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Southampton
Electoral Ward
Banister & Polygon
Westminster Constituency
Southampton Itchen

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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