Award

Winter Bureau and Weather Station Maintenance Services

KENT COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

29 Oct 2025 at 09:46

Award

19 Sep 2025 at 09:33

Summary of the contracting process

Kent County Council is overseeing the procurement process for the maintenance and operation of the Road Weather Information System throughout the County of Kent. The procurement, entitled "Winter Bureau and Weather Station Maintenance Services," falls within the goods category and is currently in the Award stage with VAISALA LIMITED identified as the supplier. Located in Maidstone, the council is part of the UK's sub-central government, delivering these services as of the agreement's latest renewal on 8 November 2025, extending to September 2028, with potential extensions up to 2030. Procuring this contract involved a direct award method due to software compatibility requirements and proprietary parts associated with the weather station systems. Key dates include the end of the standstill period on 7 November 2025, allowing the signing to proceed smoothly on 8 November 2025.

This contracting process presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in weather station maintenance and operational services. With VAISALA LIMITED already engaged for its recognised capability in seamless integration of new and existing equipment, the tender is particularly suited to companies that possess proprietary technology and software solutions to match the existing infrastructure requirements. SMEs, in particular, could benefit from exploring advanced support services, given the nature of direct award due to technical specifications fulfilling continuity and compatibility needs. Remaining mindful of the council's discretion for extension periods offers businesses the possibility to establish enduring relations and further service advancements through long-term commitments.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Winter Bureau and Weather Station Maintenance Services

Notice Description

This requirement is for Road Weather Information System maintenance and operation required within the Growth, Environment and Transport Directorate. This contract covers the maintenance and operation of the existing network of Weather Stations throughout the County of Kent.

Procurement Information

Software Compatibility - The existing weather station software operates the weather stations using a specific operating system. Alternative providers do not offer compatible software, leading to integration issues and potentially costly reconfiguration. Proprietary Parts - Spare and consumable parts are unique to the current manufacture, Vaisala. These components are not universally interchangeable. Alternative suppliers would be required to source these from the original manufacturer, Vaisala, resulting in additional costs and delays. Continuity of Service - Retaining the same manufacturer for weather stations and components ensures uninterrupted delivery of weather forecasting services, maintaining consistency and reliability across the system. Seamless Integration - New and additional weather instruments can be added to our existing weather stations infrastructure without the need to seek additional software or operating systems, ensuring operational efficiency. Established In-House Capability - KCC staff are already trained with this type of equipment. In-house experts are capable of performing frontline repairs, testing, trouble shooting and basic maintenance, reducing reliance on external support and delivers long term cost savings. Alternative Solutions Impact- Any alternative solution would likely require significant reconfiguration due to incompatibility with the existing operating system and infrastructure. This would introduce additional costs for integration, training, and support, while also increasing the risk of operational disruption and reduced service efficiency.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059de8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069234-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)


CPV Codes

38127000 - Weather stations

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Oct 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Sep 20251 months ago
Contract Period
8 Nov 2025 - 30 Sep 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
sourcingsupportteam@kent.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MAIDSTONE
Postcode
ME14 1XQ
Post Town
Rochester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ45 Mid Kent
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Maidstone
Electoral Ward
Penenden Heath
Westminster Constituency
Maidstone and Malling

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

VAISALA

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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