Tender

School of Biology/SMRU: Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland

UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Jun 2026 at 09:55

Summary of the contracting process

The University of St Andrews is currently in the tender stage of a procurement process seeking helicopter services for August aerial surveys of seals in Scotland. This opportunity falls under the services category for the hire of aircraft with crew, specifically targeting aerial surveys using helicopters fitted with thermal imaging cameras. Commencing on 5th June 2026, the procurement is valued at £250,000 and follows an open procedure. Tender submissions are due by 8th July 2026. The contract, with a performance duration of 1080 days, includes optional extensions and is available for electronic bids through the University’s eTendering system. All operations will take place in and around the UK-St Andrews locality, with specific attention to Scotland's coastline.

This tender offers a significant growth opportunity for businesses specialising in aerial surveys, aircraft hire services, or those with the technical capacity to support scientific research in wildlife monitoring. Suitable candidates should have capabilities in providing helicopter services equipped for advanced observation technologies and adapting operations according to weather conditions and low tide periods, given the specificity of seal surveys. Businesses experienced in serving educational or public sector clients and those familiar with open procurement processes will be well-positioned to compete in this offering. The need for technical proficiency and the proposed long-term nature of the contract provide a substantial opportunity for establishing a robust partnership with the University of St Andrews.

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Notice Title

School of Biology/SMRU: Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland

Notice Description

Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland

Lot Information

Lot 1

SMRU have developed a technique for surveying seals inhabiting rocky coastlines using a thermal imaging camera in a helicopter. The survey equipment that will be used on/in the aircraft is described below under 'Survey methods & equipment'. Available survey periods are dictated by "low tide windows", i.e. local low water occurring in the afternoon, during the harbour seals' annual moult season in August. Surveys are weather dependent; we cannot survey in moderate or heavy rain as seals are more likely to leave their haul-out sites in very wet conditions. Over the next three to five years, SMRU is planning to carry out seal surveys around the Scottish coastline, excluding most islands that are over 10km offshore. All surveys will be carried out in August and could require up to a total of approximately 140 hours of engine time (including transit/positioning flights) spread over 30-40 flying days. Please see tender documents for full requirements. Additional information: All tenders for the University of St Andrews are administered through our eTendering System (InTend).To Express an Interest please go to our tender website at https://intendhost.co.uk/universityofstandrews Please note that 'Notes of Interest' placed via PCS (Public Contracts Scotland) are not automatically accepted

Renewal: Provision for 2 x 12 month extensions subject to annual review.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ae67
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053199-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60424100 - Hire of aircraft with crew

60424120 - Hire of helicopters with crew

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
8 Jul 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
GUARDBRIDGE
Postcode
KY16 0US
Post Town
Kirkcaldy
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM0 Eastern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM01 Clackmannanshire and Fife
Delivery Location
TLM72 Clackmannanshire and Fife

Local Authority
Fife
Electoral Ward
Tay Bridgehead
Westminster Constituency
North East Fife

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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