Award

Where Have All the Eiders Gone? - Food Resource Availability Assessment

NATURAL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

18 Nov 2025 at 16:00

TenderUpdate

30 Oct 2025 at 10:07

Tender

23 Oct 2025 at 15:13

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process led by Natural England, a central government public authority based in London, focused on the ecological assessment titled "Where Have All the Eiders Gone? - Food Resource Availability Assessment." This project aimed to assess the availability of food resources for eiders, primarily mussels, in the Northumberland region, amid their declining numbers at both GB and England scales. The procurement stage is complete, with the contract awarded on 18th November 2025 to ENVISION MARINE LTD., a marine survey services provider. The project, under an open competition method classified as below threshold, underwent its active contract period from 7th November 2025 to 27th February 2026. The main procurement category was services, relating to marine survey services around the UKC region, and the total contract value was £19,250.

This tender presents significant opportunities for growth within businesses specialising in marine biology and environmental assessments. Firms with expertise in ecological surveys and marine life studies will find this project aligns with their core competencies, particularly SMEs like ENVISION MARINE LTD., who have the skills and experience required to safely conduct operations in specific environmental conditions. Such contracts can enhance a company's portfolio in public sector ecological projects and provide further credibility and exposure. The procurement method facilitates fair competition and encourages diverse business participation, stimulating growth and development in niche sectors focusing on environmental conservation.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Where Have All the Eiders Gone? - Food Resource Availability Assessment

Notice Description

At the GB scale, eider numbers have declined by c60% over the last 25 years. At an England scale, numbers have declined by c75% over 30+ years. Action to understand the causes of these declines and, if possible, to implement measures to halt or reverse the declines is urgent. Adult eiders preferentially feed on mussel, a resource which since 2012 has declined critically in Northumberland. This suggests that environmental changes leading to loss of mussel resources on this coast may have played some part in the eiders' decline. The present study is being commissioned to provide an assessment of food availability for eiders over the winter period. Eiders preferentially feed on mussels, a resource which since 2012 has declined critically in Northumberland. However, mussel beds persist in the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA, where wintering eiders occur. The study will determine the availability of mussels and alternate food sources at five sites in the region used by eiders. Intertidal rocky reef transect surveys will be conducted during the period of lowest possible tides in November or December (contingency) 2025. The period is chosen to assess the food availability to the overwintering eiders in the region. If interested, suppliers should provide: details of the methodology and approaches proposed to deliver the requirements of this project; qualifications and experience the proposed project team; a proposed timetable for the project, risk log, mitigation actions and a Gantt; and proposed project teams' experience and qualifications for operating safely in the environment and conditions required for the project.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d2c4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074903-2025
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
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71354500 - Marine survey services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£20,833 Under £100K
Lots Value
£20,833 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£19,250 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Nov 20252 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
4 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
6 Nov 20251 months ago
Contract Period
7 Nov 2025 - 27 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
NATURAL ENGLAND
Contact Name
Dan Donald
Contact Email
daniel.donald@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
TLC North East (England)

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ENVISION MARINE

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d2c4-2025-11-18T16:00:20Z",
    "date": "2025-11-18T16:00:20Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d2c4",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PJDG-6588-XDMM",
            "name": "Natural England",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PJDG-6588-XDMM"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "SW1P 4DF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Dan Donald",
                "email": "daniel.donald@naturalengland.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-04764706",
            "name": "ENVISION MARINE LTD.",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "04764706"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PZLV-1394-RPDV"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Mallan House",
                "locality": "Hexham",
                "postalCode": "NE46 4DQ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKC21"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "mail@envision.uk.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.envision.uk.com",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PJDG-6588-XDMM",
        "name": "Natural England"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "NE231025WHATEG",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Where Have All the Eiders Gone? - Food Resource Availability Assessment",
        "description": "At the GB scale, eider numbers have declined by c60% over the last 25 years. At an England scale, numbers have declined by c75% over 30+ years. Action to understand the causes of these declines and, if possible, to implement measures to halt or reverse the declines is urgent. Adult eiders preferentially feed on mussel, a resource which since 2012 has declined critically in Northumberland. This suggests that environmental changes leading to loss of mussel resources on this coast may have played some part in the eiders' decline. The present study is being commissioned to provide an assessment of food availability for eiders over the winter period. Eiders preferentially feed on mussels, a resource which since 2012 has declined critically in Northumberland. However, mussel beds persist in the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast SPA, where wintering eiders occur. The study will determine the availability of mussels and alternate food sources at five sites in the region used by eiders. Intertidal rocky reef transect surveys will be conducted during the period of lowest possible tides in November or December (contingency) 2025. The period is chosen to assess the food availability to the overwintering eiders in the region. If interested, suppliers should provide: details of the methodology and approaches proposed to deliver the requirements of this project; qualifications and experience the proposed project team; a proposed timetable for the project, risk log, mitigation actions and a Gantt; and proposed project teams' experience and qualifications for operating safely in the environment and conditions required for the project.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71354500",
                        "description": "Marine survey services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 25000,
            "amount": 20833,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "To apply for this opportunity you must submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) attached. Your response must be sent to daniel.donald@naturalengland.org.uk (cc catherine.scott@naturalengland.co.uk and jayden.endean@naturalengland.org.uk) by 17:00 on 04/11/2025. If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to daniel.donald@naturalengland.org.uk. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers.",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "notAllowed"
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-11-04T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-10-28T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "otherRequirements": {
            "reservedParticipationLocation": {
                "gazetteer": {
                    "scheme": "GB-ONS",
                    "identifiers": [
                        "K02000001"
                    ]
                }
            }
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 25000,
                    "amount": 20833,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2025-11-07T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2026-02-27T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "Full details are available in the RFQ."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "A-6570",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Request for quotation.",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-6570",
                "format": "application/msword"
            },
            {
                "id": "A-6571",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Order form",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-6571",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "A-6572",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Specification.",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-6572",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "A-6573",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Commercial response form.",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-6573",
                "format": "application/pdf"
            },
            {
                "id": "067933-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067933-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-10-23T16:13:09+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "A-6814",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Clarification to bidders questions",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/A-6814",
                "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document"
            },
            {
                "id": "069627-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069627-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-10-30T10:07:05Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "069627-2025",
                "description": "Clarification to bidders Q&A's added 30/10/25."
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "status": "active",
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-04764706",
                    "name": "ENVISION MARINE LTD."
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "71354500",
                            "description": "Marine survey services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKC",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2025-11-07T00:00:00Z",
                "endDate": "2026-02-27T23:59:59Z"
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 23100,
                "amount": 19250,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": false,
            "dateSigned": "2025-11-06T00:00:00Z",
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "074903-2025",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074903-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-11-18T16:00:20Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}