This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

17 Jun 2026 at 17:20

Award

02 Jun 2026 at 15:51

Award

07 May 2026 at 11:11

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process initiated on 17th June 2026 pertains to the British Museum and involves the collection and transport of the Bayeux tapestry from Bayeux, France, to the museum in London, and back following the exhibition's conclusion. The British Museum, a public authority entity located in London, serves as the buying organisation. The contract, awarded to HIZKIA France through a direct award method, is within the service industry category, specifically associated with cargo handling and freight transport services. The procurement process has reached the award stage, with the contract being signed on the same day, encompassing services to be rendered until 30th September 2027. The stipulated legal basis for the procurement follows the UKPGA 2023/54 guidelines.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specializing in logistic solutions, particularly those with expertise in handling fragile, high-value artifacts requiring specialized transport systems. The exclusive use of HIZKIA France's proprietary NOMAD crating system exemplifies the need for highly technical and bespoke solutions in the cultural heritage sector, presenting a valuable precedent for similar future projects. While the technical constraints limited competition to a single supplier, other SMEs in the logistics field can explore innovations in handling and transportation to expand their portfolios, potentially competing in similar tenders requiring specialized transport services across international borders.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Bayeux Tapestry Transport

Notice Description

Collection and transport of the Bayeux tapestry from Bayeux, France to the British Museum in London, and its return to Bayeux after the end of its exhibition. The Supplier will provide specialist vibration controlled transport services, ensuring environmental and mechanical stability throughout the journeys. They will be responsible for all associated packing, handling, loading, unloading, and secure movement of the tapestry. The Supplier will coordinate and manage all import/export and customs formalities between France and the United Kingdom, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks. The Supplier will provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and documentation required to deliver the transport safely, efficiently, and in line with agreed specifications.

Procurement Information

The Bayeux Tapestry must be transported in the NOMAD crating system which was developed and tested by HIZKIA France under contract with Direction Regionale des Affaires Culturelles de Normandie (DRAC) specifically for the transport of the Bayeux Tapestry in accordance with the technical specifications for its movement. The design of the crating system is the intellectual property of HIZKIA France and cannot be reproduced by an alternative supplier. The NOMAD crating system is holistic and must integrate with specific vehicles owned by HIZKIA France in order to achieve the required levels of vibrational stability and environmental control during transport. The crate housing the tapestry cannot therefore be collected and transported by an alternative supplier due to this technical constraint. Further to this use of the NOMAD system and technicians provided by HIZKIA France is a condition of the loan between DRAC and the British Museum

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06932f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057339-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services


CPV Codes

63110000 - Cargo handling services

63521000 - Freight transport agency services

63523000 - Port and forwarding agency services

63524000 - Transport document preparation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£137,043 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£137,043 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jun 20264 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
7 May 20262 months ago
Contract Period
16 Jun 2026 - 30 Sep 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BRITISH MUSEUM
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
WC1B 3DG
Post Town
Central London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI36 Camden
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Camden
Electoral Ward
Bloomsbury
Westminster Constituency
Holborn and St Pancras

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

HIZKIA FRANCE

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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