Award

LIFE R4ever Kent Project (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001001013) - eDNA monitoring for freshwater invertebrate species

NATURAL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

22 May 2025 at 15:18

Tender

19 Mar 2025 at 15:20

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the LIFE R4ever Kent Project, managed by Natural England, focuses on eDNA monitoring for freshwater invertebrate species. This initiative is aimed at the restoration and revitalisation of the River Kent Special Area of Conservation located in South Cumbria. The procurement falls under the industry category of environmental services and employs an open competition method. Initially tendered on 19 March 2025 with submissions due by 2 April 2025, the procurement has reached the award stage, with the contract already signed on 9 April 2025. The contract will run from 14 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, with a potential extension until 31 August 2026.

This tender represents significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in environmental services, particularly those experienced in DNA analysis and field monitoring. It is ideally suited for SMEs that offer innovative solutions in environmental conservation. By engaging in such a project, companies can enhance their technical portfolios and establish relationships with central government bodies like Natural England. The awarded contract to Surescreen Scientifics Limited, a UK-based SME, underscores the suitability of similar businesses to leverage their expertise in a strategic partnership aimed at positive environmental impacts.

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Notice Title

LIFE R4ever Kent Project (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001001013) - eDNA monitoring for freshwater invertebrate species

Notice Description

he LIFE R4ever Kent project (2021 -2026) aims restore and revitalise the River Kent Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in South Cumbria and its wider catchment, so it is more resilient to environmental pressures. This unique river, located on the fringes of the English Lake District is home to internationally important populations of bullhead, white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel and water crowfoot (Ranunculus) habitat. A key deliverable of the project is to trial new monitoring techniques by implementing the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling for testing for the presence of Freshwater Pearl Mussels, White-clawed Crayfish along with invasive Signal Crayfish and associated disease Crayfish Plague. There are three parts to this contract: * The provision of eDNA water sampling equipment/kits and protocols * DNA extraction, analysis of samples taken and reporting the result * Sequencing of qPCR products Natural England will be responsible for the collection of water samples from sites across the River Kent Catchment.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04ef2f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025242-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services


CPV Codes

90711300 - Environmental indicators analysis other than for construction

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£45,833 Under £100K
Lots Value
£45,833 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£26,941 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 May 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
2 Apr 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
8 Apr 202510 months ago
Contract Period
13 Apr 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATURAL ENGLAND
Contact Name
Becky Lowe
Contact Email
rebecca.lowe@naturalengland.org.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLD North West (England)

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SURESCREEN SCIENTIFICS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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