Tender

UKRI-4667 NERC Research Vessels Refit, Upgrade and Maintenance Services

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

04 Dec 2025 at 15:07

PlanningUpdate

28 Aug 2025 at 08:58

Planning

22 Aug 2025 at 14:19

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process initiated by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) seeks to establish a Framework Agreement for refit, upgrade, and maintenance services of the RRS Sir David Attenborough research vessel. This opportunity falls under the industry category of ship repair and maintenance services within the UK. The procurement is currently at the 'tender' stage, with the tender period ending on 16th January 2026, and subsequent potential award by 26th February 2026. UKRI plans to award the agreement to a single supplier, with contract execution beginning on 1st April 2026 and continuing for up to four years, inclusive of extension options. The procurement method is an open procedure, indicating a transparent and competitive process.

This tender offers substantial business growth potential for organisations specialised in maritime maintenance services, particularly those with expertise in handling high-standard requirements for research vessels. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) possessing relevant technical and quality capabilities are encouraged to compete, as the award criteria highly value technical proficiency and social value contributions. With a gross value of GBP 10,800,000, this opportunity ensures exposure to complex global operations, providing competitive firms a chance to gain significant experience and prestige, expanding their expertise across an internationally operational footprint.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

UKRI-4667 NERC Research Vessels Refit, Upgrade and Maintenance Services

Notice Description

UKRI wishes to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of refit, upgrade and maintenance services for the RRS Sir David Attenborough. The Framework Agreement (Agreement) will be awarded to a single Supplier for a period of two years with an extension option of up to two years (2+1+1). The Supplier will also be able to provide global support should emergency repairs/dockings be required to be undertaken outside of scheduled maintenance periods. The Agreement will: * ensure vessels are maintained to the standards required by UKRI. * ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with Flag State and Classification Society requirements. * provide continuity in maintenance standards and utilise one organisation that will gain experience and knowledge of the RRS Sir David Attenborough * cover the global footprint of operations for RRS Sir David Attenborough

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: Option to extend as stated

Renewal: The Contract duration shall be for a period of two (2) years with two optional extensions of (1) year each, from commencement of the Contract (2+1+1). The total duration will not exceed four (4) years.

Planning Information

Supplier Webinar: Potential Suppliers are invited to attend a (virtual) Supplier Webinar, occurring 08 September 2025. This will allow all Potential Suppliers to fully comprehend and understand the requirement further. Intention to attend the Supplier Webinar must be communicated via the e-sourcing portal by 05 September 2025, including the subject matter ‘UKRI-4667 Supplier Webinar Request’. Suppliers may be sent an RFI Questionnaire, and a further engagement session may take pace in October. Please find details of the opportunity here: https://ukri2.my.salesforce-sites.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a1MTm000007K9azMAC&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058d0a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079820-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
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

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50241000 - Repair and maintenance services of ships

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Dec 2025Today
Submission Deadline
16 Jan 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
27 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2028-11-01

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
Kate Richardson
Contact Email
nercprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
01793 442000

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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