---
title: "CEFAS25-107 Contract Otolith Microchemistry Analysis of Herring Larvae Samples"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE"
published: "2025-09-29"
---

# CEFAS25-107 Contract Otolith Microchemistry Analysis of Herring Larvae Samples

Buyer: CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4.json)

## Summary

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), located in Lowestoft, United Kingdom, has completed the procurement process for a contract titled "CEFAS25-107 Contract Otolith Microchemistry Analysis of Herring Larvae Samples." This procurement falls under the services category, specifically technical analysis or consultancy services. The procurement process followed a direct method, executed below the competitive threshold and without competition. The contract, awarded to The University of Hull, spans from 23rd September 2025 to 28th February 2026. Key milestones include the delivery of an initial test run in September 2025, followed by further sample analyses in December 2025 and January 2026, concluding with a final report by the end of February 2026.

This contract represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in technical analysis services, particularly those specialising in high-precision laboratory work and microchemistry procedures. Companies with expertise in laser ablation and plasma-mass spectrometry, along with capabilities to comply with rigorous data management practices, stand to benefit. SMEs such as The University of Hull have demonstrated their capacity to fulfil such specialised roles, showcasing the potential for similar enterprises to partner with public authorities in delivering scientifically rigorous analysis services.

## Notice

Contract for otolith microchemistry analysis via Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) of herring larvae samples. The contract is based on the requirements and structure of the previous agreement with Cefas, adapted for current needs. Technical requirements to be met by the supplier: - Experience on quantitative microchemistry analysis on fish otoliths with Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) for a range of trace elements including relevant use of standards and calculation of detection limits. - Laboratory capacity and experience operating LA-ICP-MS and RESOlution-SE 193nm with a Laurin Technic S155 two-volume cell. - Experience on microchemistry data processing and reporting including quality checks with Iolite, and compliance with data protection policy. Scope of Work - Specification The supplier will provide LA-ICP-MS microchemistry analysis on fish otoliths samples provided by Cefas with expert contribution by Audrey Geffen for the following requirements: - Communication with Cefas WP lead and/or PI, participate in technical meetings with experts via TC or in person. - Deliverable 1: LA-ICP-MS test run of 50 samples of herring larvae otolith in September 2025 (including submission of data files). - Deliverable 2: LA-ICP-MS analysis of 200 samples of herring larvae otoliths in December 2025 and January 2026 (including submission of data files and QC). - Deliverable 3: Provide final report to Cefas summarising the results and technical details (including method and data files) by end of February 2026.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060391-2025 |
| Notice type | UK7 - Contract Details Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Below threshold - without competition |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 29 Sep 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 21 Sep 2025 |
| Contract period | 22 Sep 2025 - 28 Feb 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £14,952 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE |
| 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 | THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

### Codes

- 71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services

## Release History

- 29 Sep 2025 at 09:30 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060391-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060391-2025
  29th September 2025 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## 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-05a3c4. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a3c4.json.