Find a TenderAwardedContract details notice
Published 10 Nov 2025, 10:51 GMT

Official UK procurement notice

NRW Diving services open framework 1 2026

Official notice

Authority: Natural Resources Wales (Central government)

Open framework scheme8 lotsServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdSME suitable
Framework ceiling (notional)£700,000envelope for 8 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue · 1 value update
Submissions closed 10 Apr 2026awarded 30 Apr 2026
Awarded to ASML +2 more8 awards
Framework period 7 yrs 11 moends 1 May 2034 · starts 15 Jun 2026

What is being bought8 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have appointed qualified professional scuba diving

contractors to support our marine biological monitoring programme within Wales' Special

Areas of Conservation (SACs).

  • The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 2 May 2034, 23:59 BST.

CPV: Diving services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
Call-offs
call-offs are awarded directly to appointed suppliers, without further competition
Bids received
3 bids on the busiest of 8 lots · 3 suppliers appointed
Framework period
7 yrs 11 mo from 15 Jun 2026
Scheme runs until
14 Jun 2034
Published description of the framework

call offs will be conducted via direct award based on specialism relevant to the specific lot and framework rates.

Lots and requirements (8)Procurement structure

8 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lot

Every one of these 8 lots carries the same published figure, £700,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.

Lot #1Sponge taxonomistAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have an advanced specialist knowledge and experience in the identification and taxonomy of marine sponges (Porifera), including methods for identification and preservation and will have key literature to assist identification in field laboratory where in situ identification is not possible.

Where suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work, you may be required to provide rolling diver supervisor duties as part of this lot.

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Lot #2Algal taxonomistAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have an advanced specialist knowledge and experience in the identification and taxonomy of red, green and brown marine seaweeds, the methods for identification and preservation and key literature to assist identification in field laboratory where in situ identification is not possible.

Where suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work, you may be required to provide rolling diver supervisor duties as part of this lot.

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Lot #3Non invasive species taxonomistAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have advanced specialist knowledge and experience in the identification of UK non-native species. They will have excellent taxonomic skills to be able to differentiate these species from similar native species. They will be up to date with such species currently found or likely to be found in Wales and the UK, horizon scanning literature and other sources of information. They will have specialist knowledge in the methods for identification and preservation and key literature to assist identification in field laboratory where in situ identification is not possible.

Where suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work, you may be required to provide rolling diver supervisor duties as part of this lot.

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Lot #4Experienced monitoring surveyor/diving marine biologistAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

A diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. They will have excellent subtidal epibenthic species identification skills, being able to identify common Welsh subtidal species from the following phyla/groups: sponges, hydroids, annelids, molluscs, bryozoans, ascidians, algae and fish. They will be able demonstrate their experience in carrying out a variety of underwater ecological surveying techniques similar to that identified in NRW’s Standard Operating Procedures for our subtidal diving SAC monitoring, including species ‘cell frequency counts’, ‘Sponge morphologies quadrats’, and transect type surveys. They will also be experienced in photography, videography and other marine fieldwork methodologies to carry out our routine monitoring work

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Lot #5Assistant surveyorAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

An experienced diver qualified to dive under the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work regulations. A scientific diver with biological knowledge - not to be confused with commercial divers who may be an experienced diver but have no biological expertise/knowledge nor training in biological field survey techniques. Able to assist experienced surveyors, carry out videography, targeted sample collection, and surveys where less taxonomic skills are required such as sponge luxuriance, sponge morphology or seagrass surveys.

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Lot #6Diving supervisorAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

A person suitably competent and experienced to supervise diving activities at work in accordance with the Scientific ACOP and according to the HSE Diving at Work Regulations. They don’t need to have biological expertise, but they do need to understand the nature of the work and the areas / dive sites where the diving operations are to take place. They will be expected to keep records of diving activities, control the diving operations, liaise with other maritime users and assist with the running of survey logistics. This role is for the supply of a dedicated diving supervisor as opposed to the provision of ad hoc rolling dive supervisor duties whilst providing services under another Lot

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Lot #7Survey coordinatorAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

A person with the skills and experience to plan, lead and coordinate field logistics and manage dive teams. Close liaison with the NRW project officer assisting in the coordination of survey requirements and field team as needed. Creating HSE Dive Project Plans, liaising with relevant Harbour Authorities and ensuring Notice to Mariners are issued where required. Liaising with recompression chambers facilities ahead of and during surveys to ensure availability in an emergency. Able to ensure the quality of the information gathered (monitoring data, dive logs, field activity diary etc), is secured and appropriately catalogued. Competent in ensuring the completion of an end of survey field report that summarises field operations and (with input from NRW staff) draws summary conclusions from the data collected. It is expected (and will be preferentially selected for) that the coordinator, if suitably skilled and experienced, would also act as one of the above diving and/or supervisor roles

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible
Lot #8Data AnalystAwarded 7 yrs 11 moSMEceiling above

A person with a scientific background and preferably a diver with an appreciation of marine biological species and survey methods. They will be adept at transcribing complex data from field recording forms to spreadsheets or into databases such as Marine Recorder Online. Able to check the taxonomic species names in relevant literature where necessary. They will be competent in data validation techniques, use of spreadsheets and statistical software. The analyst may also be required to work with imaging software such Adobe Photoshop and Premiere for stitching images or extracting species data. A knowledge of annotation software BIIGLE and CATAMI would be advantageous. This role may be expected to attend surveys and input data at the survey base but not necessarily take part in diving operations themselves.

Contract period: 15 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2034 (7 yrs 11 mo)
Delivery: WalesEligibility: SME eligible

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored · same split on all 8 lots
Quality: 70%Price: 30%
Published sub-criteria (2)
  • technical: 70%
  • price: 30%
Published award criteria (2)
  • technical
  • price
What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 30 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 3 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
  • “NRW Diving services open framework 1 2026” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract, and call-offs are awarded directly: getting appointed is the whole game.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Open framework scheme
Who may use the vehicle
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Yes · next expected 2 May 2034
First published
10 Nov 2025, 10:51 GMT
Last source update
30 Jun 2026, 13:10 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 1 Jun 2026
Authority reference
ITT_121338
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-012086
Latest notice
Contract details notice (UK7)
Classification (CPV)
Diving services
Delivery area
Wales (UKL)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-05dd67 Find a Tender

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: Jaggaer · Who buys & how to bid on Sell2Wales
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN, CY
Access & registration note: Free; latest Chrome/Edge/Firefox only — corporate browsers fail
Appointment period ends
10 Apr 2026, 17:00 BST
Clarification deadline
5 Mar 2026, 13:30 GMT
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en, cy
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Contractors/bidders should register on the eTendering portal etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk ↗

ii) Once registered, suppliers must express their interest as follows

a) login to the eTendering portal

b) select ITT'

c) select 'ITTs Open To All Suppliers'

d) access the listing relating to the contract (itt_121338 "Diving Services Framework 2026") and view details

e) click on 'Express Interest' button in the 'Actions' box on the left-hand side of the page

iii) Once you have expressed interest, the ITT will move to 'My ITTs', where you can download and view documents and where you can construct your reply as instructed. All Invitation to tender documents are in the "RESPONSE FORM" Tab, there are no documents in the attachment area.

You must then publish your reply using the publish button.

iv) For any support in submitting your expression of interest, please contact the eTendering helpdesk on 0800 0112470 or at [email protected].

NOTE: The authority is using eTenderwales to carry out this procurement process. To obtain further information record your interest on Sell2Wales at www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/search_switch… ↗

Timeline

10 Nov 2025 → 30 Jun 2026 · 10 dates
  1. Planning notice published340 days ago
    10 Nov 2025, 10:51 GMT
  2. Market engagement323 days ago
    26 Nov 2025, 23:59 GMT

    Engagement process description

    The supplier engagement session will take place on the 26th November 2025 at 2 p.m - 3 p.m via Teams meeting.

    Supplier to contact [email protected]

    should they wish to attend.

  3. Tender notice published247 days ago
    10 Feb 2026, 16:11 GMT
  4. Clarification questions by225 days ago
    5 Mar 2026, 13:30 GMT
  5. Admission / appointment period ends188 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    10 Apr 2026, 17:00 BST
  6. Assessment summaries sent162 days ago
    7 May 2026, 00:00 BST
  7. Standstill ends150 days ago
    18 May 2026, 23:59 BST
  8. Award decision expected by136 days ago
    1 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
  9. Contract starts123 days ago
    15 Jun 2026, 00:00 BST
  10. Latest notice published108 days ago
    30 Jun 2026, 13:10 BST

Notice history

12 events · 5 releases on Find a Tender · since 10 Nov 2025
  1. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    10 Nov 2025, 10:51 GMT
    UK2
  2. Tender notice published
    10 Feb 2026, 16:11 GMT
    UK4
  3. Published value updated to £700,000
    10 Feb 2026, 16:11 GMT
    was £350,000
  4. Status changed to active
    10 Feb 2026, 16:11 GMT
  5. Procurement method changed
    10 Feb 2026, 16:11 GMT
  6. Deadline published: 12 Mar 2026, 13:00 GMT
    10 Feb 2026, 16:11 GMT
  7. Tender notice published
    5 Mar 2026, 13:27 GMT
    UK4
  8. Deadline moved to 10 Apr 2026, 17:00 BST
    5 Mar 2026, 13:27 GMT
    +29 days · was 12 Mar 2026, 13:00 GMT
  9. Contract award notice published
    7 May 2026, 16:19 BST
    UK6
  10. Status changed to complete
    7 May 2026, 16:19 BST
  11. Contract signature expected
    8 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
  12. Contract details notice published
    30 Jun 2026, 13:10 BST
    UK7
Published amendments (1)

Clarification and tender deadline has been extended

Routine re-releases (5)
  • 2026-02: 1 release · 10 Feb 2026
  • 2025-11: 1 release · 10 Nov 2025

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 38 awards · see the list ↓
Bids received 33 from SMEs · busiest of 8 lots
Contracts signed 8latest 21 May 2026

£700,000 is the framework's published maximum, restated by the publisher on 8 award rows. It is one ceiling, not 8 separate sums, and no share per lot is published; those rows read “ceiling above”.

Awarded toValueDateStatus
Lot 1 · Sponge taxonomist1 award
ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSMEDiving services 2026 open framework 1 (lot 1)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded
Lot 2 · Algal taxonomist1 award
ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSMEDiving services 2026 open framework 1 (Lot 2)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded
Lot 3 · Non invasive species taxonomist1 award
ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSMEDiving service 2026 open framework 1 (Lot 3)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded
Lot 4 · Experienced monitoring surveyor/diving marine biologist1 award
ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSMEDiving service 2026 open framework 1 (Lot 4)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded
Lot 5 · Assistant surveyor1 award
ASMLSME, David PalfreySME, Marine EcoSolSMEDiving services 2026 open framework 1 (Lot 5)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded
Lot 6 · Diving supervisor1 award
ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSMEDiving services 2026 open framework 1 (Lot 6)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded
Lot 7 · Survey coordinator1 award
ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSMEDiving services 2026 open framework 1 (Lot 7)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded
Lot 8 · Data Analyst1 award
Marine EcoSolSMEDiving services 2026 open framework 1 (Lot 8)15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034ceiling above30 Apr 2026Awarded

Contracts

All 8 of these contracts carry the same published figure, £700,000, the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each contract's own value. They are not eleven separate sums.

  • NRW Diving services open framework LOT 1 · ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active
    1 agreed KPI: KPI's
    • KPI's
  • NRW Diving services open framework LOT 2 · ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active
  • NRW Diving services open framework LOT 3 · ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active
  • NRW Diving service open framework LOT 4 · ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active
  • NRW Diving services open framework LOT 5 · ASMLSME, David PalfreySME, Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active
  • NRW Diving services open framework LOT 6 · ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active
  • NRW Diving services open framework LOT 7 · ASMLSME, Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active
  • NRW Diving services open framework LOT 8 · Marine EcoSolSME

    Signed
    21 May 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2034
    Status
    active

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · Sponge taxonomist2final-stage tenders20—
2 · Algal taxonomist2final-stage tenders20—
3 · Non invasive species taxonomist2final-stage tenders10—
4 · Experienced monitoring surveyor/diving marine biologist3final-stage tenders30—
5 · Assistant surveyor3final-stage tenders30—
6 · Diving supervisor2final-stage tenders20—
7 · Survey coordinator2final-stage tenders20—
8 · Data Analyst1final-stage tenders10—

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Natural Resources Wales

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central governmentWelsh devolved regulations apply GB-PPON: PBBR-3628-MPRN Welsh Government Offices Cathays Park , Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NQContact name, email

Framework contractors & participating bidders

3 commercial parties on the notice
  • ASMLFramework contractorGB-PPON: PDXY-4772-VWPH Quarry Bank Cottage , Weardale, North East, DL13 2SGContact email, phone
  • David PalfreyFramework contractorGB-PPON: PZPV-5423-XNZH 65 Ashley Hill, Bristol, South West, BS79BEContact email, phone
  • Marine EcoSol LtdFramework contractorGB-PPON: PNCW-4522-LYDJ Newlands School road, Nomansland Salisbury, South West, SP5 2BYContact email, phone

Official documents & specifications (19)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

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