This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

13 Jul 2026 at 09:51

Summary of the contracting process

The National Oceanography Centre, based in Southampton, United Kingdom, has completed a procurement process to replace a sea-going inorganic nutrient autoanalyser, a crucial tool for analysing marine samples. The procurement, identified as "Replacement of a Seagoing Inorganic Nutrient Autoanalyser" under industry category goods, was conducted through a direct method below threshold without competition. The procurement involved securing equipment essential for both onboard research vessels and NOC laboratories. The contract, awarded to SEAL ANALYTICAL LIMITED, based in King's Lynn, was signed on 10th July 2026 and is set to span until 9th July 2029. The procurement was awarded on 13th July 2026, highlighting the urgency and specific technical requirements that necessitated a direct procurement approach.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in marine scientific equipment, particularly those who can provide advanced technology solutions for onboard environments. Suppliers with expertise in producing durable and reliable analytical instruments suitable for use at sea could find lucrative opportunities working with research institutions like the National Oceanography Centre. The direct selection of SEAL ANALYTICAL LIMITED suggests potential business growth in areas where specific technical requirements are met, such as equipment utilising an LED light source tailored for the challenging marine conditions. Small to medium enterprises with innovative solutions and specialised technical capabilities are well-suited to benefit from such contracts, enabling them to strengthen their footprint within the marine research equipment industry.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Replacement of a Seagoing Inorganic Nutrient Autoanalyser

Notice Description

The NOC requires a segmented flow autoanalyser to replace an existing sea-going nutrient autoanalyser, which is now obsolete and no longer supported by the manufacturer. The equipment will be used for the analysis of inorganic nutrients and biogenic silica in marine samples, both onboard research vessels and within NOC laboratories. The selected supplier provides the only model identified that uses an LED light source within the photometer. This is a critical technical requirement for the intended operational environment, as the equipment will be used at sea, where constant vessel movement and vibration can significantly affect the performance of traditional filament-based light sources.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c946
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065504-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)


CPV Codes

38434560 - Chemistry analyser

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£72,835 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
9 Jul 20266 days ago
Contract Period
9 Jul 2026 - 9 Jul 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SOUTHAMPTON
Postcode
SO14 3ZH
Post Town
Southampton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ32 Southampton
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Southampton
Electoral Ward
Bargate
Westminster Constituency
Southampton Itchen

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SEAL ANALYTICAL

Further Information

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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