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Ethics Framework for N-RICH Prototype

Historic Environment Scotland

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

04 Aug 2026 at 01:00

PCS Notice - Website Contract Award Notice
Tender

25 May 2026 at 01:00

PCS Notice - Website Contract Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Historic Environment Scotland procured professional ethics framework services for the N-RICH prototype, a National Research Infrastructure for Cultural Heritage. The appointed supplier is required to design and deliver a framework that enables the infrastructure to recognise, assess, operationalise and act on values-led approaches to data, people, processes and technology. This is advisory, governance and research-support work at the intersection of cultural heritage, digital infrastructure and responsible innovation. Delivery is associated with Scotland, with the buyer based in Edinburgh. The requirement is classified under CPV 71354100, covering digital mapping and related specialist services. The work concerns one completed requirement for Historic Environment Scotland and is intended to establish a practical mechanism for embedding ethical considerations across the infrastructure’s activities and systems.

This was a completed open procedure. The submission deadline and bid opening were 23 June 2026 at 12:00, and the contract was awarded to Studio Picot. The contract value is £59,460 excluding any other amount stated in the procurement, and the contract was signed on 31 July 2026. The contract period runs from 1 September 2026 to 22 January 2027, with no renewal or additional-purchase option. There was one lot and variants were not allowed. Historic Environment Scotland received five electronic bids, including three from SMEs. Evaluation included financial standing, assessed through business credit information or audited accounts, together with minimum public liability insurance of £10 million and employers’ liability insurance of £5 million. Electronic payment and ordering apply, while electronic invoicing is allowed.

This requirement is most relevant to consultancies, research organisations and specialist practices that can turn ethics principles into an operational framework for a cultural-heritage research infrastructure. Credible suppliers would need experience of values-led approaches involving data, people, processes and technology, and the ability to recognise, assess and embed ethical issues in practical decision-making. The work suits teams combining ethics, governance, digital or information management, research methods and cultural-heritage knowledge, rather than suppliers offering only generic policy advice. Financially robust businesses with substantial public and employers’ liability cover would be better placed to meet the buyer’s assurance requirements. The award also shows that Historic Environment Scotland uses an open, electronic route and attracts SME participation, providing a useful benchmark for future comparable opportunities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Ethics Framework for N-RICH Prototype

Notice Description

The Supplier will design and deliver an ethics framework to provide a mechanism for a National Research Infrastructure for Cultural Heritage to recognise, assess, operationalise, and act upon values-led approaches to data, people, processes, and technology.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Please see Document 2 Specification for full contract requirements

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000832768
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG561522
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
PCS Notice - Website Contract 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

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

71354100 - Digital mapping services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£59,460 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Aug 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
23 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Sep 2026 - 22 Jan 2027 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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
Postcode Area
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Studio Picot

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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