CEFAS26-79 Macrofauna Analysis of Sediment Samples

Notice Information

Get alerts for notices like these

Notice Title

CEFAS26-79 Macrofauna Analysis of Sediment Samples

Notice Description

Cefas require processing of 33 macrofaunal samples by extracting and identifying all biota retained on a 1.0 mm capture mesh, in accordance with the extraction and identification protocols set out in the NMBAQC guidelines. The Falmouth dredged material disposal site is located south of Falmouth, Cornwall, just outside the entrance to Falmouth Bay. As part of a monitoring programme funded by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), sediment samples were collected from within and around the site in July 2026 during a survey aboard the RV Cefas Endeavour. A 0.1 m2 mini Hamon grab was used to collect 33 samples, comprising three replicates from each of 11 stations. Sample details are provided in Appendix 1. Shortly after collection, the samples were preserved in approximately 5% buffered formaldehyde. Each container has internal and external labels clearly identifying the survey and station information. The Supplier will process 33 macrofaunal samples by extracting and identifying all biota retained on a 1.0 mm capture mesh, in accordance with the extraction and identification protocols set out in the NMBAQC guidelines (NMBAQC scheme - APEM). The resulting data must also be audited in accordance with the NMBAQC Own Samples protocol before being submitted to Cefas. Enumeration, identification and biomassing must be carried out to the lowest possible taxonomic level in accordance with the NMBAQC Processing Requirement Protocol and Taxonomic Discrimination Protocol (NMBAQC scheme - APEM). Wet-weight biomass, recorded in grams to at least four decimal places, is required for all enumerable taxa. Balances must be serviced annually, and a valid service certificate must be supplied with the tender. A single reference collection containing all identified species/taxa must be returned to the Cefas laboratories in Lowestoft in an appropriate preservation liquid, such as 100% IDA or a mixture of 70% IMS, 20% water and 10% glycerol. As a minimum, the reference collection must record the species name, identifier/supervisor name, station code, cruise code, collection date and species identification verifier name. An electronic list of all taxa included in the reference collection, containing the same details, must also be provided. Notable taxa, including non-native species and new or unusual records, must be highlighted in this list. Records of non-native species must be added to the Non-native Species Information Portal (NNSIP), hosted on the Non-native Species Secretariat website GB Non Native Species Information Portal (GBNNSIP) - providing records and alerts for non-native species in Great Britain | InfraPortal. Following completion of the work, the abundance and biomass data matrices must be submitted by email to an address that Cefas will confirm during contract implementation. All species names must first be checked using the WoRMS 'Match Taxa' tool to ensure that the nomenclature is current (http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=match). Quality assurance: Three samples from this contract are to be subject to an independent QA process following the requirements of the NMBAQC 'own sample' scheme assessment criteria with the scheme coordinator (or their assigned AQC lab) (see above). As this is also a project level audit the full data set will be quality assured; in addition to the samples selected to assess processing, additional taxa will be identified for review from the full data matrix. Any remedial action required following the AQC process must be completed within an agreed timeframe at no extra cost to the project, including any subsequent AQC needed. The AQC contract will be arranged and paid for by Cefas. The processing and audit laboratories will include Cefas in all communications relating to this contract and will work to ensure timely delivery. Deliverables: 1. Externally audited, quality-controlled abundance and biomass matrices with current nomenclature (Primary processing and Audit lab) 2. Reference collection (Primary processing lab) 3. Internal Quality Control logs (Primary processing lab) 4. Audited Quality Control report (Audit lab) 5. Weekly project summary updates and correspondence between primary processing and audit lab (Primary processing and Audit lab) Delivery Dates: 1. Primary analysis to be completed by end November 2026 2. Fully AQC'd data to be completed by end of December 2026. 3. Reference collection to be returned to Cefas by end of January 2027. Quantity: 33 mini Hamon grab samples (details of the samples can be found in Appendix 1 below). Location: Samples are available for collection by the successful Supplier as soon as possible following Contract signature, from the storage facility in Lowestoft (costs to be included in tender as per RFQ Part 2 - Pricing). Details of the sample collection are to be confirmed following contract allocation and samples must be transported safely and securely. Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS26-79 under opportunities.

Notice Details

Get alerts for notices like these

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID: ocds-h6vhtk-06dc3e
Publication Source: Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074133-2026
Current Stage: Tender
All Stages: Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type: UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type: Standard
Procurement Category: Services
Procurement Method: Open
Procurement Method Details: Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability: SME
Awardee Scale: Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions: 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
CPV Codes: 73111000 - Research laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value: £25,000 Under £100K
Lots Value: £25,000 Under £100K
Awards Value: Not specified
Contracts Value: Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date: 5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline: 24 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date: Not specified
Award Date: Not specified
Contract Period: 10 Sep 2026 - 31 Jan 2027 1-6 months
Recurrence: Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Get alerts for notices like these

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer: CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
Contact Name: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality: LOWESTOFT
Postcode: NR33 0HT
Post Town: Norwich
Country: England
Major Region (ITL 1): TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2): TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3): TLH63 East Suffolk
Delivery Location: Not specified
Local Authority: East Suffolk
Electoral Ward: Kirkley & Pakefield
Westminster Constituency: Lowestoft

Further Information

Notice Documents

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074133-2026
5th August 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

Notice URLs

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-06dc3e-2026-08-05T12:13:30+01:00",
    "date": "2026-08-05T12:13:30+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06dc3e",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PPGW-5299-JGTN",
            "name": "CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PPGW-5299-JGTN"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Pakefield Road",
                "locality": "Lowestoft",
                "postalCode": "NR33 0HT",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKH14"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Laura Anderson",
                "email": "procure@cefas.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PPGW-5299-JGTN",
        "name": "CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "CEFAS26-79",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "CEFAS26-79 Macrofauna Analysis of Sediment Samples",
        "description": "Cefas require processing of 33 macrofaunal samples by extracting and identifying all biota retained on a 1.0 mm capture mesh, in accordance with the extraction and identification protocols set out in the NMBAQC guidelines. The Falmouth dredged material disposal site is located south of Falmouth, Cornwall, just outside the entrance to Falmouth Bay. As part of a monitoring programme funded by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), sediment samples were collected from within and around the site in July 2026 during a survey aboard the RV Cefas Endeavour. A 0.1 m2 mini Hamon grab was used to collect 33 samples, comprising three replicates from each of 11 stations. Sample details are provided in Appendix 1. Shortly after collection, the samples were preserved in approximately 5% buffered formaldehyde. Each container has internal and external labels clearly identifying the survey and station information. The Supplier will process 33 macrofaunal samples by extracting and identifying all biota retained on a 1.0 mm capture mesh, in accordance with the extraction and identification protocols set out in the NMBAQC guidelines (NMBAQC scheme - APEM). The resulting data must also be audited in accordance with the NMBAQC Own Samples protocol before being submitted to Cefas. Enumeration, identification and biomassing must be carried out to the lowest possible taxonomic level in accordance with the NMBAQC Processing Requirement Protocol and Taxonomic Discrimination Protocol (NMBAQC scheme - APEM). Wet-weight biomass, recorded in grams to at least four decimal places, is required for all enumerable taxa. Balances must be serviced annually, and a valid service certificate must be supplied with the tender. A single reference collection containing all identified species/taxa must be returned to the Cefas laboratories in Lowestoft in an appropriate preservation liquid, such as 100% IDA or a mixture of 70% IMS, 20% water and 10% glycerol. As a minimum, the reference collection must record the species name, identifier/supervisor name, station code, cruise code, collection date and species identification verifier name. An electronic list of all taxa included in the reference collection, containing the same details, must also be provided. Notable taxa, including non-native species and new or unusual records, must be highlighted in this list. Records of non-native species must be added to the Non-native Species Information Portal (NNSIP), hosted on the Non-native Species Secretariat website GB Non Native Species Information Portal (GBNNSIP) - providing records and alerts for non-native species in Great Britain | InfraPortal. Following completion of the work, the abundance and biomass data matrices must be submitted by email to an address that Cefas will confirm during contract implementation. All species names must first be checked using the WoRMS 'Match Taxa' tool to ensure that the nomenclature is current (http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=match). Quality assurance: Three samples from this contract are to be subject to an independent QA process following the requirements of the NMBAQC 'own sample' scheme assessment criteria with the scheme coordinator (or their assigned AQC lab) (see above). As this is also a project level audit the full data set will be quality assured; in addition to the samples selected to assess processing, additional taxa will be identified for review from the full data matrix. Any remedial action required following the AQC process must be completed within an agreed timeframe at no extra cost to the project, including any subsequent AQC needed. The AQC contract will be arranged and paid for by Cefas. The processing and audit laboratories will include Cefas in all communications relating to this contract and will work to ensure timely delivery. Deliverables: 1. Externally audited, quality-controlled abundance and biomass matrices with current nomenclature (Primary processing and Audit lab) 2. Reference collection (Primary processing lab) 3. Internal Quality Control logs (Primary processing lab) 4. Audited Quality Control report (Audit lab) 5. Weekly project summary updates and correspondence between primary processing and audit lab (Primary processing and Audit lab) Delivery Dates: 1. Primary analysis to be completed by end November 2026 2. Fully AQC'd data to be completed by end of December 2026. 3. Reference collection to be returned to Cefas by end of January 2027. Quantity: 33 mini Hamon grab samples (details of the samples can be found in Appendix 1 below). Location: Samples are available for collection by the successful Supplier as soon as possible following Contract signature, from the storage facility in Lowestoft (costs to be included in tender as per RFQ Part 2 - Pricing). Details of the sample collection are to be confirmed following contract allocation and samples must be transported safely and securely. Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS26-79 under opportunities.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "73111000",
                        "description": "Research laboratory services"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 30000,
            "amount": 25000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Download the Bidder Pack at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome and search for CEFAS26-79 under opportunities.",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-08-24T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-08-19T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 30000,
                    "amount": 25000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-11T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2027-01-31T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "description": "60% Technical, 10% Social Value, 30% Cost"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "074133-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074133-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-08-05T12:13:30+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}