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

University of St Andrews

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

10 Aug 2026 at 16:36

Award Notice
Tender

05 Jun 2026 at 10:55

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of St Andrews procured a helicopter with crew for the Sea Mammal Research Unit’s aerial surveys of seals around Scotland. The work uses a thermal imaging camera carried in or on the aircraft to survey seals on rocky coastlines, particularly harbour seals at haul-out sites during their annual moult. Surveys are weather dependent and cover the Scottish coastline, excluding most islands more than 10 kilometres offshore. The delivery location is St Andrews, with flying activity around the Scottish coastline. This is an aircraft charter and aerial survey support requirement, rather than a general aviation or equipment-supply contract. Suppliers need to provide an operational helicopter, suitably qualified crew and the ability to support specialist wildlife-survey equipment and coastal flying operations.

This open procedure has reached award stage. The contract was awarded to PDG Helicopters, an SME, on 31 July 2026 and signed on the same date. The contract value is £273,135; the original estimated value was £250,000. The requirement covered one lot, with an intended duration of 1,080 days and provision for two 12-month extensions subject to annual review. The tender deadline was 8 July 2026 at 12:00, when bids were opened. Evaluation weighted quality at 60% and cost at 40%. Two bids were received, both from SMEs and submitted electronically; both were from non-EU foreign suppliers. English-language submissions were required, with bids valid for 90 days. The lot is recorded as cancelled, while the related award and contract are active.

This procurement indicates demand for specialist helicopter-supported wildlife surveys over several Scottish August seasons. A credible future competitor would need access to a helicopter supplied with crew, the operational capacity for approximately 140 engine hours spread across 30 to 40 flying days, and the flexibility to work within afternoon low-tide windows. Experience of coastal aerial operations, weather-dependent flying and surveys of seals or other wildlife would be directly relevant. The aircraft and crew would also need to accommodate a thermal imaging camera and associated survey equipment safely and reliably. Suppliers should be able to plan transit and positioning flights, operate around rocky coastlines and manage flights across mainland Scotland and suitable nearshore areas. Strong technical delivery and survey quality matter more than price alone, given the 60% quality weighting.

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Notice Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ae67
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075904-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

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

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
£273,135 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Aug 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
8 Jul 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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
Postcode Area
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PDG Helicopters

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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