This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

23 Mar 2026 at 14:43

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by the National Oceanography Centre, located in Southampton, UK, involves the direct purchase of sediment trap replacement parts from McLane Research Laboratories Inc., based in the US. This tender is categorised under surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic, and hydrological instruments and appliances and falls under the industry of goods. The procurement method is direct, conducted below threshold and without competition, reflecting a completed status within the award stage of the process. Key dates include the contract being signed on 17 March 2026, with a delivery period extending until 16 March 2027. The procurement is motivated by the need to refurbish existing units in support of upcoming MFP expeditions, requiring specific components uniquely produced and patented by McLane Research Laboratories Inc.

This procurement opportunity presents minimal business growth possibilities for smaller enterprises or new entrants due to the exclusivity of the production rights held by McLane Research Laboratories Inc. However, businesses involved in manufacturing niche oceanographic equipment and components, particularly those engaged in direct collaborations with OEMs, may find insights into how intellectual property can position them uniquely in public procurement markets. Understanding procurement processes that favour direct and below-threshold methods may aid similar manufacturers in tapping into such exclusive opportunities, although broader competition is limited in this specific contract.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Sediment Trap Replacement Parts

Notice Description

The requirement is for a set of spare and replacement parts for McLane sediment traps, including components such as electronics and motor assemblies, which are essential to refurbish existing units and return them to operational condition in support of upcoming MFP expeditions. These parts must be supplied exclusively by McLane Research Laboratories Inc., the Original Equipment Manufacturer, as they hold the sole intellectual property and exclusive production rights for the required components, meaning no alternative suppliers exist.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067196
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/026337-2026
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

38290000 - Surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic and hydrological instruments and appliances

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£46,797 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Mar 20266 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
17 Mar 2026 - 16 Mar 2027 6-12 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
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
Postcode Area
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

McLane Research Laboratories Inc

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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