Tender

CEFAS25-121 Request for Quotation for Hyperspectral Sensor (VNIR 400-1000 nm)

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

13 Nov 2025 at 15:25

Summary of the contracting process

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has initiated a tender process under the title "CEFAS25-121 Request for Quotation for Hyperspectral Sensor (VNIR 400–1000 nm)." This procurement aims to enhance environmental monitoring capabilities, targeting significant issues such as climate change and pollution. The procurement falls under the industry category of Measuring Instruments and is pertinent to the Lowestoft location in the UK. Currently active, the tender stage invites bids, with a submission deadline set for 5th December 2025. Procured through an open competition method, the total contract value is estimated at £110,400, and the project is scheduled to commence on 5th January 2026.

This tender presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in modern environmental monitoring technologies. Companies developing hyperspectral sensors adaptable for both aerial and laboratory use are particularly well-positioned to deliver on Cefas's requirements. With a focus on cost-effectiveness and innovation, particularly those utilising drones and AI, this procurement offers a platform for market leaders and SMEs involved in environmental technology solutions to showcase their advanced capabilities and contribute to critical environmental management efforts.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

CEFAS25-121 Request for Quotation for Hyperspectral Sensor (VNIR 400-1000 nm)

Notice Description

The continuous and escalating pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the intensified utilisation of natural habitats are placing marine ecosystems under unprecedented strain. This ongoing degradation compromises the resilience of these systems, making them more vulnerable to acute shocks like marine heat waves and spills, as well as chronic stresses such as wind farm construction. The decline in ecosystem health not only threatens fisheries and other livelihoods but also hampers our capacity for carbon absorption. To effectively manage and mitigate these challenges, there is an ever-increasing demand for cost-effective and targeted environmental monitoring. Modern technologies, including drones, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI), are proving invaluable in enhancing monitoring capabilities while reducing the need for intensive human involvement. However, traditional visible light surveys of benthic and coastal habitats offer limited insights into the identification of flora, fauna, and pollution. In response to these limitations, there is a growing adoption of hyperspectral imagery. This technology captures significant amounts of data beyond the visible light revealing new environmental detail, surpassing the capabilities of visible light or human monitoring. Cefas requires a sensor to develop and extend its monitoring capability for coastal and benthic environments. Hyperspectral imaging is required to detect and characterise flora and fauna on land (seaweed on rocks, on beach), sea surface (plankton, algae) and underwater (benthic epifauna and flora). In addition, ideally the sensor would allow us to detect pollutants such as plastics that are characterized more in the Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) range of spectrum. The sensor will support near-term pilot pipelines for: (a) benthic habitat surveys (via Cefas custom built housing) and (b) aerial shoreline surveys for plastic detection, while providing a flexible platform for future applications. Scope of Requirements: Technical Requirement The Supplier will provide a complete hyperspectral infrared imaging solution suitable for both Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operation and laboratory use, including all necessary hardware, lenses, software and accessories required to acquire, calibrate, process and export orthorectified hyperspectral data cubes. At a minimum, the proposed system will be capable of capturing data across the Very Near Infrared (VNIR) spectral range (400-1000 nm). Ideally, a drone-mountable solution would extend coverage to include VNIR, Near Infrared (NIR), and as much of the SWIR range as feasible--targeting a full spectral span of approximately 400-2700 nm. Cefas understand that drone-compatible SWIR sensors may exceed the maximum available budget (PS130,000 inc. VAT). Therefore, a hybrid approach of a drone-mounted VNIR sensor, complemented by a laboratory-based (non-flyable) SWIR system is an acceptable solution. Cefas is open to alternative configurations if the Supplier can propose a more suitable option that meets the technical requirements and stays within budget. In addition, the Supplier will provide comprehensive training on implementing data processing pipelines for hyperspectral data collected from the sensor, as well as operational support for Cefas drone pilots. This support will include training sessions covering environmental conditions, target selection, and sensor configuration to ensure optimal data collection Clear documentation of all data collection and processing steps are essential.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e0aa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073635-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

38300000 - Measuring instruments

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£92,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£92,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Nov 20253 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
5 Dec 2025Today
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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

Further Information

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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