Award

Archaeology Project Contractor

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

16 Feb 2026 at 14:16

Award

02 Feb 2026 at 16:04

Tender

11 Dec 2025 at 18:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Exeter has completed the procurement process for a contract entitled "Archaeology Project Contractor" under an open procedure. This procurement falls under the services category, specifically focused on archaeological services, and relates to investigative works at Battens Farm and Watton Farm in Halberton, Devon. The contracting process initiated with a tender phase and culminated in the award phase. Cotswold Archaeology Ltd has been selected as the supplier for the contract, which spans from February 2026 to October 2030, with a total contract value of £185,000. This project will involve community-focused archaeological excavation and analysis, set to begin in February 2026, and concludes by October 2030.

This tender presents distinct opportunities for growth, particularly for large-scale archaeology firms capable of handling complex excavation projects. Companies specialising in archaeological services can benefit from a sustained engagement in community-driven projects, enhancing their portfolio and reputation in the sector. Given its open procurement method, smaller businesses had the chance to submit competitive bids, though a large supplier, Cotswold Archaeology Ltd, ultimately secured the contract, indicating an existing rigorous capability in large-scale archaeological undertakings. The opportunities are particularly well-suited to companies with a track record in delivering quality archaeological assessments and having the capability for comprehensive service delivery, from excavation to publishing findings.

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Notice Title

Archaeology Project Contractor

Notice Description

This opportunity is for an Archaeology Project Contractor to facilitate community-focused archaeological investigations of a Roman villa complex and multi-phase settlement on land at Battens Farm and Watton Farm, Halberton, Devon, including all post-excavation assessment, analysis and publication. The project is expected to begin in February 2026 and be completed by October 2030.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f45d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/013889-2026
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
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

45112450 - Excavation work at archaeological sites

71351914 - Archaeological services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£185,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£185,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£185,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£185,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Feb 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
13 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
28 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
12 Feb 2026 - 31 Oct 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Contact Name
Charlotte Hockey
Contact Email
c.a.hockey@exeter.ac.uk, procurement@exeter.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1392723333

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX4 4QH
Post Town
Exeter
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
TLK4 Devon

Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Duryard and St James
Westminster Constituency
Exeter

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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