---
title: "CEFAS23-09 Contract for Marine Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sample Processing: Bridgwater Bay"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-83c35872-98d8-43fc-a1f1-e5990aaa1f4e"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-83c35872-98d8-43fc-a1f1-e5990aaa1f4e"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-83c35872-98d8-43fc-a1f1-e5990aaa1f4e.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-83c35872-98d8-43fc-a1f1-e5990aaa1f4e.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "CEFAS"
published: "2026-02-10"
---

# CEFAS23-09 Contract for Marine Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sample Processing: Bridgwater Bay

Buyer: CEFAS  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-83c35872-98d8-43fc-a1f1-e5990aaa1f4e

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## Summary

The CEFAS23-09 contract, managed by Cefas, focuses on marine benthic macroinvertebrate sample processing in Bridgwater Bay, under the BEEMS programme funded by NNB GenCo. The procurement process is presently at the award stage, with the University of Hull as the supplier. This project involves the comprehensive analysis of survey data collected biannually from February 2023 through December 2027. Based in Lowestoft, UK, Cefas set a contract value of £77,000, reflecting a commitment to service excellence in the survey analysis industry. The open procurement method used was below threshold, accommodating submissions up until 23rd March 2023.

This contract represents a significant opportunity for businesses dealing in survey analysis services, specifically those adept at handling large-scale environmental data processing. It suits SMEs, with its emphasis on detailed sample analysis, quality control, and examinating marine ecosystems—businesses specialising in ecological monitoring and environmental consultancy stand to benefit and collaborate for growth. The collaboration between Cefas and the University of Hull underlines the potential for academic institutions and private entities to engage in substantial scientific data collection and analysis, fostering both research expansion and commercial enterprise.

## Notice

The BEEMS (British Energy Estuarine and Marine Studies) programme is funded by NNB Generating Company HPC (NNB GenCo). Through this programme, Cefas provide authoritative scientific information on the marine and transitional waters in the vicinity of potential new build nuclear power stations and require a competent Supplier to deliver the element described below; Description of the sample collection: The mudflat monitoring in Bridgwater Bay encompasses the collection of 6 replicates samples at 11 stations in Bridgwater Bay and Wick St Lawrence twice a year (February and August). The replicate samples are collected with a 0.01m2 core and the sediment is sieved through a 0.5 mm mesh sieve. The Macoma balthica individuals (only bivalve present in the mudflat) are hand-picked on the sieve during the survey and stored in separated glass vials. The potentially high number of individuals of this species are therefore not included in the samples. All benthic organisms are transferred into Nalgene bottles and fixed with 4% formaldehyde. Summary of deliverables: * Analysis of two survey batches of samples per year (collected in February and August), 66 samples per survey. * Externally audited, quality-controlled abundance / biomass matrices as per template provided, with current nomenclature (Primary processing and Audit lab). * One reference collection (Primary processing lab) - the collection will be updated over the duration of the contract as additional species are encountered in the samples. * Internal Quality Control logs (Primary processing lab). * Audited Quality Control report (Audit lab). * Regular project summary updates and correspondence between primary processing and audit lab (Primary processing and Audit lab).

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/615a56dc-7174-4640-b379-b38d664b2aba |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (below threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 10 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 23 Mar 2023 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 11 Apr 2023 |
| Contract period | 31 Jul 2023 - 31 Dec 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £77,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £172,878 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | CEFAS |
| Locality | LOWESTOFT |
| Post town | Norwich |
| Postcode | NR33 0HT |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLH East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLH6 Suffolk |
| ITL 3 | TLH63 East Suffolk |
| Local authority | East Suffolk |
| Electoral ward | Kirkley & Pakefield |
| Westminster constituency | Lowestoft |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | UNIVERSITY OF HULL |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

### Codes

- 79311300 - Survey analysis services

## Release History

- 10 Feb 2026 at 10:07 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/615a56dc-7174-4640-b379-b38d664b2aba
- 12 Apr 2023 at 09:58 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/569515eb-e714-4c3b-aeb7-ba16fe8b9633

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/615a56dc-7174-4640-b379-b38d664b2aba
  10th February 2026 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/569515eb-e714-4c3b-aeb7-ba16fe8b9633
  12th April 2023 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/4e938d1e-65ba-4785-bb7b-1c18c49e20b9
  CEFAS23-09 BEEMS Short Form Contract - Complete_Redacted
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/712b39b0-3184-4b64-bd67-0b3ae3a6fb53
  CEFAS23-09 BEEMS Short Form Contract - Complete_Redacted

## Provenance

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