Tender

eDNA for water frogs around Lynford Lakes, Norfolk

NATURAL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

23 Apr 2026 at 15:02

Tender

17 Apr 2026 at 14:02

Summary of the contracting process

Natural England has initiated a procurement process titled "eDNA for water frogs around Lynford Lakes, Norfolk" focused on laboratory and research services within the UK. The procurement method is open competition, classified as below threshold. The tender, active as of 23 April 2026, aims to employ eDNA sampling to assess the presence of marsh frogs, a species threatening the Critically Endangered northern pool frog in Norfolk. Bidders are required to submit their quotations by 6pm on 30 April 2026, with all responses directed to the specified contact email of Natural England, based in London. The contract is scheduled to commence on 11 May 2026 and conclude on 18 October 2026.

This procurement presents opportunities for businesses specialising in laboratory services, particularly those adept in supplying eDNA sampling kits and conducting amphibian metabarcoding assays. Companies experienced in environmental research and habitat management would be well-suited to compete for this tender, offering potential for growth within the niche area of conservation biology. By collaborating on efforts to protect endangered species, participating businesses can enhance their portfolio and establish connections with central governmental bodies. The open procurement approach allows for competitive bidding, facilitating access for small to medium-sized enterprises aiming to expand their market presence in environmental scientific services.

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Notice Title

eDNA for water frogs around Lynford Lakes, Norfolk

Notice Description

In 2025, putative marsh frogs have been sighted in water bodies near Ickburgh, Norfolk. This species poses a significant threat to the Critically Endangered native northern pool frog through disease transmission, competition, and hybridisation. Ickburgh is some 12km from the known native pool frog population at Thompson Common. The northern pool frog became extinct in the UK by the 1990s but has been successfully reintroduced through a collaborative project led by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and Natural England. Reintroductions began in Norfolk in 2005, with a second release at Thompson Common from 2015-2021. Protecting these populations is critical to securing the future of this rare amphibian. A national contingency plan is in place to respond to an incursion of invasive non-native animal in England. Natural England is the lead agency responsible for the management response. The proposed activity will use eDNA sampling to determine the extent of marsh frog presence/absence across selected water bodies, starting near native pool frog habitats and moving east to west to minimise disease risk. Outputs will include a spatial distribution map to inform Natural England and partners on management control options. The project requires the supply of eDNA water sampling kits for freshwater ponds/lakes, and use of a metabarcoding to detect the presence or absence of Pelophylax species using an amphibian assay (include other amphibians in the data as well).

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068582
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037233-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

71900000 - Laboratory services

73111000 - Research laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£20,833 Under £100K
Lots Value
£20,833 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Apr 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
30 Apr 20265 days to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
10 May 2026 - 18 Oct 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATURAL ENGLAND
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLH East (England)

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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