Award

CEFAS25-107 Contract Otolith Microchemistry Analysis of Herring Larvae Samples

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

29 Sep 2025 at 09:30

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), located in Lowestoft, United Kingdom, has completed the procurement process for a contract titled "CEFAS25-107 Contract Otolith Microchemistry Analysis of Herring Larvae Samples." This procurement falls under the services category, specifically technical analysis or consultancy services. The procurement process followed a direct method, executed below the competitive threshold and without competition. The contract, awarded to The University of Hull, spans from 23rd September 2025 to 28th February 2026. Key milestones include the delivery of an initial test run in September 2025, followed by further sample analyses in December 2025 and January 2026, concluding with a final report by the end of February 2026.

This contract represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in technical analysis services, particularly those specialising in high-precision laboratory work and microchemistry procedures. Companies with expertise in laser ablation and plasma-mass spectrometry, along with capabilities to comply with rigorous data management practices, stand to benefit. SMEs such as The University of Hull have demonstrated their capacity to fulfil such specialised roles, showcasing the potential for similar enterprises to partner with public authorities in delivering scientifically rigorous analysis services.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

CEFAS25-107 Contract Otolith Microchemistry Analysis of Herring Larvae Samples

Notice Description

Contract for otolith microchemistry analysis via Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) of herring larvae samples. The contract is based on the requirements and structure of the previous agreement with Cefas, adapted for current needs. Technical requirements to be met by the supplier: - Experience on quantitative microchemistry analysis on fish otoliths with Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) for a range of trace elements including relevant use of standards and calculation of detection limits. - Laboratory capacity and experience operating LA-ICP-MS and RESOlution-SE 193nm with a Laurin Technic S155 two-volume cell. - Experience on microchemistry data processing and reporting including quality checks with Iolite, and compliance with data protection policy. Scope of Work - Specification The supplier will provide LA-ICP-MS microchemistry analysis on fish otoliths samples provided by Cefas with expert contribution by Audrey Geffen for the following requirements: - Communication with Cefas WP lead and/or PI, participate in technical meetings with experts via TC or in person. - Deliverable 1: LA-ICP-MS test run of 50 samples of herring larvae otolith in September 2025 (including submission of data files). - Deliverable 2: LA-ICP-MS analysis of 200 samples of herring larvae otoliths in December 2025 and January 2026 (including submission of data files and QC). - Deliverable 3: Provide final report to Cefas summarising the results and technical details (including method and data files) by end of February 2026.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060391-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£14,952 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Sep 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Sep 20255 months ago
Contract Period
22 Sep 2025 - 28 Feb 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procure@cefas.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LOWESTOFT
Postcode
NR33 0HT
Post Town
Norwich
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH63 East Suffolk
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
East Suffolk
Electoral Ward
Kirkley & Pakefield
Westminster Constituency
Lowestoft

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL

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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