Radiocarbon Dating and Bayesian Analysis

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

08 Jun 2026 at 09:57

Summary of the contracting process

Historic Environment Scotland, a national agency based in Edinburgh, is initiating a tender for "Radiocarbon Dating and Bayesian Analysis," inviting submissions by 8th July 2026. This procurement falls under the services category, specifically archaeological services, and involves the analysis of 150 to 300 samples annually. The contract runs from 1st September 2026 until 31st August 2029, with an option for a one-year extension. The procurement follows an open procedure, ensuring transparent competitive tendering. Key quality and price criteria are laid out, alongside community benefits and insurance requirements. The project location is the United Kingdom, and electronic submissions are mandated via the Public Contracts Scotland portal.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses specialising in archaeological and palaeoenvironmental services. Companies equipped to manage the complexities of radiocarbon dating and Bayesian analysis would find this project an ideal growth avenue. With a focus on service quality, the tender also invites suppliers to propose community benefits such as apprenticeships, supporting broader societal goals. Firms capable of meeting the stringent financial and insurance criteria are well-placed to leverage this opportunity, with potential for long-term engagement through contract renewals. The project promotes innovation in analytical techniques, positioning participating companies at the forefront of archaeological research and community contribution.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Radiocarbon Dating and Bayesian Analysis

Notice Description

The contract is for radiocarbon dating and Bayesian analysis of an estimated 150 to 300 archaeological and related palaeoenvironmental samples per year.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Please see Document 2 - Specification for full requirements

Renewal: Once the initial 3 years is up, the contract has the option to be extended for a further 1 year.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06af77
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/053673-2026
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

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services


CPV Codes

71351914 - Archaeological services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
8 Jul 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
If all extensions are used up then the contract will be re-tendered in 2030.

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH9 1SH
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Southside/Newington
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh South

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06af77-2026-06-08T10:57:45+01:00",
    "date": "2026-06-08T10:57:45+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06af77",
    "description": "Please note that HES cannot sign up to suppliers terms and conditions. HES will not negotiate at point of award or post contract award. Any concerns with the terms and conditions should be highlight in your tender response. NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=834017. The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx. Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/ A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: Suppliers are asked to consider what community benefits they could bring to the contract. This could be in the form of apprenticeships, work placements. (SC Ref:834017) Download the ESPD document here: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ESPD/ESPD_Download.aspx?id=834017",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "HES/C/4361",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Radiocarbon Dating and Bayesian Analysis",
        "status": "active",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "71351914",
            "description": "Archaeological services"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "description": "The contract is for radiocarbon dating and Bayesian analysis of an estimated 150 to 300 archaeological and related palaeoenvironmental samples per year.",
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "Please see Document 2 - Specification for full requirements",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "70%"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "30%"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Once the initial 3 years is up, the contract has the option to be extended for a further 1 year."
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "status": "active"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "71351914",
                        "description": "Archaeological services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk",
        "selectionCriteria": {
            "criteria": [
                {
                    "type": "economic",
                    "description": "HES use Scotbis, an independent provider of business credit reports, to assess the financial standing of tenderers. The overall aim of this assessment is to ensure, as far as possible, that any potential Supplier will not have financial difficulties that endanger their ability to perform the Contract. If financial information cannot be gained from that source Historic Environment Scotland will request that you provide full audited accounts for the last full financial year. If Suppliers cannot provide any of the assurances as detailed above, and it is determined by HES that your financial strength is not adequate, then your company may not pass the financial evaluation. If you can provide the assurances as detailed above, HES may explore these options with you before determining whether your company can be taken forward in this procurement exercise. Bank details may also be sought to support the above.",
                    "minimum": "Employers Liability Insurance - 5 million Public Liability Insurance - 10 million",
                    "appliesTo": [
                        "supplier"
                    ]
                }
            ]
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-07-08T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2026-07-08T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "bidOpening": {
            "date": "2026-07-08T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "contractTerms": {
            "hasElectronicOrdering": true,
            "electronicInvoicingPolicy": "allowed",
            "hasElectronicPayment": true
        },
        "recurrence": {
            "description": "If all extensions are used up then the contract will be re-tendered in 2030."
        }
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-1169",
            "name": "Historic Environment Scotland",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Historic Environment Scotland"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Longmore House, Salisbury Place",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "region": "UKM75",
                "postalCode": "EH9 1SH",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1316688866",
                "email": "procurement@hes.scot",
                "url": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://historicenvironment.scot",
                "buyerProfile": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00164",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "NATIONAL_AGENCY",
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "National or federal agency/office"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "description": "Tourism, Heritage, Conservation, Built Environment"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-595",
            "name": "Edinburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Edinburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court"
            },
            "address": {
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-1169",
        "name": "Historic Environment Scotland"
    },
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000834017"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en"
}