---
title: "UKRI-5065 BAS - Gateway Agent for Cape Town"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-059aa1"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-059aa1"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-059aa1.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-059aa1.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)"
published: "2025-09-15"
---

# UKRI-5065 BAS - Gateway Agent for Cape Town

Buyer: UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-059aa1

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## Summary

The current tender process initiated by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) seeks to appoint a Gateway Agent for Cape Town, focusing on travel agency and related services. The procurement falls under the services category and targets the public authority - central government in the United Kingdom. UKRI is located in Swindon, Wiltshire, and this open procedure is part of an active tender stage. Prospective suppliers should note that electronic submissions are accepted in English, with the tender period set to close on 15th October 2025. The contract will commence on 21st November 2025 and is expected to last for three years, with the option of a one-year extension. Interested parties should also be aware that participation in this procurement could lead to a framework agreement with a single supplier for port agency services.

This procurement offers significant business growth opportunities for companies proficient in providing comprehensive port agency services, particularly those with experience in handling logistics, shipment, and procurement. SMEs are encouraged to compete, especially those able to meet the requirements for 24/7 availability and the operational demands of the Antarctic season. The tender valuing £240,000 provides a promising avenue for businesses looking to expand their portfolio in public sector contracts, particularly within the travel and cargo handling sectors. This open procedure welcomes diverse suppliers, providing a competitive landscape to showcase expertise and technical quality, thus fostering potential long-term collaboration with UKRI.

## Notice

BAS requires a gateway agent to act as their representative in Cape Town and carry out operational functions on their behalf, allowing smooth facilitation of the Antarctic season. Assistance is required on some level year-round, with a peak in assistance required during the Halley operational season (early November to mid-February). Assistance includes but is not limited to handling of passengers, cargo handling, storage and shipment, port/vessel handling and procurement. BAS requires agency representative in Cape Town to be available on a 24/7 on call basis.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The framework agreement can be extended for an additional 1 calendar year.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056696-2025 |
| Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 15 Sep 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 15 Oct 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 21 Nov 2025 - 20 Nov 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £240,000 |
| Lots value | £240,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI) |
| Locality | SWINDON, WILTSHIRE |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode | SN2 1FL |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire |
| ITL 3 | TLK71 Swindon |
| Local authority | Swindon |
| Electoral ward | Rodbourne Cheney |
| Westminster constituency | Swindon North |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

### Codes

- 63510000 - Travel agency and similar services

## Release History

- 15 Sep 2025 at 15:21 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056696-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056696-2025
  15th September 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://ukri2--prospend.vf.force.com/apex/CS_ContractPage?filters=&page=1&Preview=Yes&searchStr=&SearchType=Projects&sortStr=Alphabetical&uid=a1MTm000007y0HFMAY&sfdcIFrameOrigin=https%3A%2F%2Fukri2.lightning.force.com
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.ukri.org/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-059aa1. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-059aa1.json.