Award

CEFAS25-139 Request for Quotation for the analysis of seabed imagery

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

19 Mar 2026 at 12:51

Tender

09 Jan 2026 at 17:13

Summary of the contracting process

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), a sub-central government public authority, has completed the tendering process for the analysis of seabed imagery under the open procurement method. The associated contract, signed on 19 March 2026, has been awarded to Ocean Ecology Limited, and its active period commences on 20 March 2026, concluding on 30 November 2026, with potential extension options. This procurement process falls within the industry category of analysis services. The project involves monitoring surveys in Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) along the East Sussex coast and west of Land's End, crucial for supporting ecological objectives in Marine Protected Areas. The analysis aims to produce Geographic Information System (GIS) deliverables from seabed imagery collected at designated sites in Beachy Head East and Cape Bank MCZs. The value of the contract is set at £31,048.50 with a gross amount of £37,258.20.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses in the environmental analysis sector, particularly those specialising in marine and ecological data interpretation. Companies that excel in Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies and seabed imagery analysis, such as those capable of delivering high-quality video and image data, are well-placed to participate in such procurement processes. The tender requirements included mapping subtidal habitats, assessing species composition, and identifying formations and non-native species. Businesses with advanced analytics capabilities and experience in Marine Protected Areas conservation can leverage this opportunity for growth in a competitive market, contributing to important ecological assessments and conservation efforts. The procurement was structured to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), reflecting a broad engagement strategy with diverse suppliers.

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Notice Title

CEFAS25-139 Request for Quotation for the analysis of seabed imagery

Notice Description

Cefas and Natural England (NE) have been working collaboratively to deliver monitoring surveys within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as part of the ongoing MPA programme. These surveys aim to support Natural England's monitoring objectives and provide robust evidence to inform conservation measures. Two recent surveys were undertaken at designated Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs): Beachy Head East MCZ in November 2023 and Cape Bank MCZ in September 2025. Both sites are important for understanding subtidal habitats and associated species, and the surveys were designed to gather high-quality data to meet specific ecological objectives. Beachy Head East MCZ is an inshore site located along the East Sussex coast near Eastbourne, within the Eastern Channel region. Covering an area of approximately 195 km2, the survey focused on: * Mapping the extent and distribution of subtidal sediment, rock, and biogenic reef habitats. * Collecting quantitative information on species composition across sedimentary and rocky biotopes. * Identifying the presence of S. spinulosa formations and, where possible, providing data to inform Reefiness assessments. * Recording any presence of non-native species. Cape Bank MCZ, is an inshore site situated in the Western Channel and Celtic Sea region to the west of Land's End, spans roughly 474 km2. The survey objectives included: * Acquiring high-quality video and image data to verify the extent and distribution of subtidal moderate energy circalittoral rock features. * Determining the main characterising species within these habitats to enable temporal comparisons with previous datasets. Requirements: The Supplier is required to undertake the analysis of seabed imagery (video and still images) collected at Beachy Head East and Cape Bank MCZs. This analysis will include the production of imagery-specific Geographic Information System (GIS) deliverables.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060343
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/025150-2026
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
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71620000 - Analysis services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£33,333 Under £100K
Lots Value
£33,333 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£31,048 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
30 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Mar 20261 months ago
Contract Period
20 Mar 2026 - 30 Nov 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

OCEAN ECOLOGY

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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