Award

Provision of Seabird Microcat CT(D)

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

12 Mar 2026 at 08:43

Summary of the contracting process

The National Oceanography Centre, a sub-central government public authority based in Southampton, United Kingdom, has completed its procurement process for the provision of Seabird Microcat CT(D) instruments. The contract, awarded to PLANET OCEAN LIMITED, involves supplying SBE37-SMP-ODO hydrographic instruments with necessary components rated for 7000-metre depth, crucial for integration within NOC's existing systems. This direct award, finalised on 12 March 2026, was executed under the procurement method "below threshold - without competition", due to the essential technical standardisation and compatibility required with NOC's current instruments. The contract covers the period from 4 March 2026 to 3 March 2027, with a total value of 236,131.2 USD.

This tender creates significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in hydrographic instruments, specifically those offering technically compatible equipment, as emphasised by the National Oceanography Centre's requirement for seamless integration with existing Sea-Bird systems. Companies with expertise in manufacturing or distributing hydrographic instruments that align with technical specifications and standards would be ideally positioned to engage with similar opportunities. SMEs that can demonstrate technical capability and performance aligned with NOC's established systems may find lucrative partnership possibilities in future procurements that necessitate high-standard technical equipment.

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Notice Title

Provision of Seabird Microcat CT(D)

Notice Description

This contract was for the supply of SBE37-SMP-ODO moored CTD instruments and associated 7000-metre rated components required as a standalone replacement purchase. The equipment must be sourced from the manufacturer's authorised representative because it is technically compatible with NOC's existing moored instrumentation fleet and is required to operate seamlessly with current sensors, housings and deployment configurations. No alternative supplier can provide instruments with the required compatibility or performance for integration with NOC's established Sea-Bird systems. This is a below-threshold direct award made on the basis of essential technical standardisation and compatibility.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0667dc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/022103-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

38292000 - Hydrographic instruments

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£196,776 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Mar 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
4 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
4 Mar 2026 - 3 Mar 2027 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
NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SOUTHAMPTON
Postcode
SO14 3ZH
Post Town
Southampton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ32 Southampton
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Southampton
Electoral Ward
Bargate
Westminster Constituency
Southampton Itchen

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PLANET OCEAN

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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