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Provision of Acoustic Data Modems

National Oceanography Centre

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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29 Jul 2026 at 08:10

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The National Oceanography Centre, based in Southampton, is buying two Sonardyne Modem 6 MF Directional Acoustic Modem Units. These are specialist telemetry and hydrographic instruments for subsea communication and telemetry. Each unit includes six MF directional transducers, can operate at depths of up to 3,000 metres and uses lithium battery units. The requirement is for goods rather than installation, construction or a broader services package. It is therefore relevant to manufacturers, authorised distributors and specialist suppliers of underwater acoustic communications equipment, subsea telemetry systems or hydrographic instrumentation. Businesses serving oceanographic research and marine technology users will find the technical application particularly relevant, although the requirement is focused on supplying the specified modem units rather than designing a complete subsea communications system.

The procurement has been completed and the contract was awarded through a direct, below-threshold procedure without competition. It was structured as one lot. The contract was awarded to SONARDYNE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED on 3 July 2026, and the contract was signed on the same date. The active contract runs from 3 July 2026 to 2 October 2026. Its value is £41,542.40 excluding VAT, or £49,850.88 including VAT. The award covers the two acoustic modem units described in the requirement. The published outcome identifies the supplier and an active award, while the tender itself is recorded as complete. The procurement was not evaluated through a competitive tender process; the selected route was direct purchase without competition.

This procurement demonstrates demand from the National Oceanography Centre for specialist subsea communication and telemetry equipment at a modest, equipment-supply scale. Suppliers best placed for a comparable requirement would have direct access to acoustic modem technology, directional transducers and marine telemetry products, with the ability to supply units configured for deep-water operation. Relevant technical credibility would include experience with hydrographic or oceanographic instrumentation, subsea communications and lithium battery-powered equipment. Manufacturers, authorised distributors and specialist marine technology integrators could be credible competitors, particularly where they can demonstrate product compatibility, dependable supply and familiarity with research or operational subsea environments. The buyer’s use of a direct, below-threshold route also shows the importance of a clearly specified, readily procurable product rather than a large delivery programme.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Acoustic Data Modems

Notice Description

The contract is for the purchase of two Sonardyne Modem 6 MF Directional Acoustic Modem Units. The modems enable subsea communication and telemetry for the National Oceanography Centre. The modem units' specification includes 6 MF directional transducers which are able to operate at 3,000 meters depth, utilising Lithium Battery units.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d5e5
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071482-2026
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
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

38291000 - Telemetry apparatus

38292000 - Hydrographic instruments

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£41,542 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jul 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Jul 2026 - 2 Oct 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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
Postcode Area
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

Sonardyne International Ltd

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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