Award

Provision of Oceano R5 Acoustic Release Capital Instruments

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

14 Apr 2026 at 08:29

Summary of the contracting process

The National Oceanography Centre, a sub-central governmental public authority located in Southampton, United Kingdom, initiated a procurement process titled "Provision of Oceano R5 Acoustic Release Capital Instruments" within the industry category of hydrographic instruments. This tender involved direct procurement below the threshold, without competition, and has reached the award stage as of 14th April 2026, with a contract period starting from 19th March 2026 to 18th March 2027. The procurement aimed to acquire specialised equipment suited for long-term subsea deployments in harsh marine environments, supporting the centre's deep-water scientific and oceanographic operations.

This procurement provides substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in marine technology and hydrographic instruments, particularly those able to supply robust subsea equipment under challenging conditions. The contract was awarded to EXAIL LIMITED, an SME known for its expertise in subsea acoustic systems. Businesses with the capability to innovate and deliver high-quality marine technology products could potentially position themselves as key suppliers for similar future procurements by fostering relationships with prestigious organisations like the National Oceanography Centre.

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Notice Title

Provision of Oceano R5 Acoustic Release Capital Instruments

Notice Description

The Exail Oceano R5 is an oceanographic acoustic release designed for long-term subsea deployments in harsh marine environments. The system enables the controlled acoustic release of subsea payloads of up to 2,500 kg and is operable at water depths of up to 6,000 metres. The Oceano R5 is suited to deep-water scientific and oceanographic applications requiring robust, long-life subsea release capability. The National Oceanography Centre has procured ten of the R5's for it marine operations.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06818a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033554-2026
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
£124,650 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Mar 20261 months ago
Contract Period
19 Mar 2026 - 18 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

EXAIL

Further Information

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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