Tender

School of Biology/SMRU: Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland

UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Jun 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of St Andrews has initiated a tendering process for the procurement of helicopter services dedicated to conducting aerial surveys of seals in Scotland during August. This contract falls under the 'services' category and is part of the education sector, specifically benefiting the School of Biology. The procurement follows an open procedure, encouraging wide-ranging participation. The submission deadline for electronic tenders is set for the 8th of July 2026, with the award period starting immediately after. The project is valued at £250,000 and is expected to be carried out primarily around the UK-St Andrews area.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for aviation service providers, particularly those with experience in wildlife conservation and aerial surveying. The project involves the use of thermal imaging technology to observe seals, making it an ideal match for businesses that specialise in advanced aerial equipment and animal studies. Given the duration of the contract and potential for extension, it offers considerable prospects for growth and continued engagement with the University of St Andrews. Businesses that can demonstrate a robust track record in similar projects, alongside the required technical and professional expertise, stand a favourable chance of securing this opportunity.

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Notice Title

School of Biology/SMRU: Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland

Notice Description

Helicopter for August Aerial Surveys of Seals in Scotland

Lot Information

Lot 1

SMRU have developed a technique for surveying seals inhabiting rocky coastlines using a thermal imaging camera in a helicopter. The survey equipment that will be used on/in the aircraft is described below under 'Survey methods & equipment'. Available survey periods are dictated by "low tide windows", i.e. local low water occurring in the afternoon, during the harbour seals' annual moult season in August. Surveys are weather dependent; we cannot survey in moderate or heavy rain as seals are more likely to leave their haul-out sites in very wet conditions. Over the next three to five years, SMRU is planning to carry out seal surveys around the Scottish coastline, excluding most islands that are over 10km offshore. All surveys will be carried out in August and could require up to a total of approximately 140 hours of engine time (including transit/positioning flights) spread over 30-40 flying days. Please see tender documents for full requirements.. All tenders for the University of St Andrews are administered through our eTendering System (InTend).To Express an Interest please go to our tender website at https://intendhost.co.uk/universityofstandrews Please note that 'Notes of Interest' placed via PCS (Public Contracts Scotland) are not automatically accepted

Renewal: Provision for 2 x 12 month extensions subject to annual review.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000833714
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN557352
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract 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

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60424100 - Hire of aircraft with crew

60424120 - Hire of helicopters with crew

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
8 Jul 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
GUARDBRIDGE
Postcode
KY16 0US
Post Town
Kirkcaldy
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM0 Eastern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM01 Clackmannanshire and Fife
Delivery Location
TLM72 Clackmannanshire and Fife

Local Authority
Fife
Electoral Ward
Tay Bridgehead
Westminster Constituency
North East Fife

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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