Tender

Advanced Technologies for Autonomous Health and Welfare Monitoring in Aquaculture

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

18 Nov 2025 at 16:52

PlanningUpdate

20 Aug 2025 at 08:24

Planning

07 Aug 2025 at 10:52

Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking proposals for an innovative project titled "Advanced Technologies for Autonomous Health and Welfare Monitoring in Aquaculture." This procurement process is in the tender stage and focuses on the development of technology for monitoring the welfare of fish, specifically Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. Located in London, the buying organisation falls under the central government sector. The tender period is set to close on 17th December 2025, with the contract award expected by 15th January 2026. The project aims to implement advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence within commercial aquaculture settings and has an allocated budget ranging from £450,000 to £540,000 GBP. The procurement is conducted as an open procedure allowing for unrestricted access to procurement documents.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in research and development, particularly those specialising in fish welfare science, AI tools, and commercial aquaculture. Companies with strong expertise in machine vision and software development for autonomous monitoring systems are well-suited to participate. SMEs and voluntary, community, and social enterprises are encouraged to apply, fostering an inclusive competition landscape. The contract offers the potential for businesses to showcase innovation in aquaculture health technologies, contributing to sustainable practices and possibly enhancing their market position within the UK’s aquaculture sector.

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Notice Title

Advanced Technologies for Autonomous Health and Welfare Monitoring in Aquaculture

Notice Description

Defra wishes to undertake research to develop a proof-of-concept advanced technology that allows for continuous monitoring of welfare in commercial production systems, focussing on both Atlantic salmon (essential) and rainbow trout (desirable). The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome

Planning Information

Defra is seeking to gather expressions of interest from interested suppliers that may be able to deliver a potential proof-of-concept research requirement. The project would aim to deliver a proof-of-concept output, aligned with recent advances in emerging technologies such as, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, to progress key stages in the development of an operational tool for autonomous monitoring of health and welfare within aquaculture, focusing on Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout. Interested suppliers are asked to register their interest by completing the following form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/w3ZCJhUSa2 This should be completed and submitted no later than 17:00 on 05/09/2025. If you have any questions, please email emily.hayes@defra.gov.uk.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05833b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074958-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£450,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£450,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
17 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
13 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
22 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
Defra group Commercial
Contact Email
procurement@defra.gov.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
Not specified

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

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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