Official UK procurement notice
Marine In-Service Support · UK public procurement notice
Authority: ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (Public body)·On behalf of: DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
What is being bought
Published requirement descriptionDefra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) are responsible for operating the safest, greenest, most cost-effective fleet assets across the Defra Group. DGFS manage both commercial and plant fleet assets, including the procurement and disposal of vehicles, plant, boats, agricultural and construction equipment, and the Servicing, Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (SIMAR) of commercial and plant assets. DGFS’ aim is to become pioneers of innovative and inventive solutions that improve the fleet’s performance and sustainability. DGFS want a class leading sustainable fleet that minimises its impact on the environment and people by reducing its emissions, leading by example and inspiring others.
This contract is for the Service, Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (SIMAR) of DGFS’ marine vessels and amphibious plant, together with any attached ancillary equipment including but not limited to trailers, engines and safety equipment, to remain seaworthy for operational use. Some assets are coded under Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice. The Supplier will deliver a national service.
This specification also includes the hire and purchase of marine craft, vessels, plant, trailers, marine outboards and safety equipment.
- Not divided into lots: Dividing the procurement into lots by geographical regions was not possible due to the level of contract management that would have been required.
- The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 3 Dec 2031, 23:59 GMT.
- How the procedure runs: This Competitive Flexible Procedure will not use a down-select stage but will use a supplementary process of Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Following the evaluation stage, the Authority reserves the right to reissue the technical evaluation questions, pricing schedule, or any part thereof to the two highest scoring tenderers, or any other tenderer that has scored within 3% (total score) of the highest scoring tenderer, for a BAFO. This will allow tenderers to incorporate any feedback from the evaluation stage. If the Authority deems any amendment to the evaluation methodology to be significant, additional time may be allowed for responses – this will be at the Authority’s sole discretion. Please note that all tenderers will be invited to submit improved responses on the same items. Tenderers will have 10 calendar days to review, revise and resubmit their bid via Atamis. There will be a period of 5 calendar days for clarification questions. The exact dates of these periods and deadlines for submission will be shared with the relevant tenderers. ! IMPORTANT – This is an optional stage for the Authority to ensure that the Most Advantageous Tender is selected, that the requirement has been fully understood, and that tenderers are provided a fair chance to compete where the Authority does not feel ready to award after the evaluation stage. Tenderers are to submit their best possible tender and price in the first instance, as it is not guaranteed that this stage will be used. Following the overall evaluation, if there is more than one tenderer with the same highest overall score, the Authority reserves the right to award to a tenderer following the below Tie-break process. Where a tenderer gained a higher Commercial Score than the other tenderers, that tenderer will be awarded the contract. Tenderers are to note that a condition of participation will be that tenderers commit to completing the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool prior to contract award. The Authority will need to see a copy of the tenderer’s report of recommendations before awarding the contract.
CPV: Ferry repair services · Hire of boats with crew · Reconditioning services of ships or boats · Repair and maintenance services · Repair and maintenance services of ships · Repair, maintenance and associated services related to marine and other equipment · Vessel repair services
The lotProcurement structure
single lot · value publishedLot #1AwardedRenewalPublished value£12,500,000
- Technical & professional ability
Tenderers are to note that a condition of participation will be that tenderers commit to completing the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool prior to contract award. The Authority will need to see a copy of the tenderer’s report of recommendations before awarding the contract.
What it takes to wini
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 morei
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).
Published sub-criteria (3)
- Technical Evaluation: 40%
- Commercial Evaluation: 50%
- Social Value Evaluation: 10%
Published award criteria (3)
- Technical Evaluation
- Social Value Evaluation
- Commercial Evaluation
- Technical & professional ability
Tenderers are to note that a condition of participation will be that tenderers commit to completing the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool prior to contract award. The Authority will need to see a copy of the tenderer’s report of recommendations before awarding the contract.
- Price carries 50 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 5 points. This one is won on the number: sharpen the price before polishing the prose.
Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Competitive flexible 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
- Stand-alone contract (no framework)
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Yes · next expected 3 Dec 2031
- First published
- 27 Mar 2025, 08:09 GMT
- Last source update
- 5 May 2026, 10:01 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 23 Mar 2026
- Authority reference
C32143- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-080417- Latest notice
- Contract details notice (UK7)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-04f934Find a Tender
- How it runs
This Competitive Flexible Procedure will not use a down-select stage but will use a supplementary process of Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Following the evaluation stage, the Authority reserves the right to reissue the technical evaluation questions, pricing schedule, or any part thereof to the two highest scoring tenderers, or any other tenderer that has scored within 3% (total score) of the highest scoring tenderer, for a BAFO. This will allow tenderers to incorporate any feedback from the evaluation stage.
If the Authority deems any amendment to the evaluation methodology to be significant, additional time may be allowed for responses – this will be at the Authority’s sole discretion.
Please note that all tenderers will be invited to submit improved responses on the same items. Tenderers will have 10 calendar days to review, revise and resubmit their bid via Atamis. There will be a period of 5 calendar days for clarification questions. The exact dates of these periods and deadlines for submission will be shared with the relevant tenderers.
! IMPORTANT – This is an optional stage for the Authority to ensure that the Most Advantageous Tender is selected, that the requirement has been fully understood, and that tenderers are provided a fair chance to compete where the Authority does not feel ready to award after the evaluation stage. Tenderers are to submit their best possible tender and price in the first instance, as it is not guaranteed that this stage will be used.
Following the overall evaluation, if there is more than one tenderer with the same highest overall score, the Authority reserves the right to award to a tenderer following the below Tie-break process. Where a tenderer gained a higher Commercial Score than the other tenderers, that tenderer will be awarded the contract.
Tenderers are to note that a condition of participation will be that tenderers commit to completing the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool prior to contract award. The Authority will need to see a copy of the tenderer’s report of recommendations before awarding the contract.
- Risks
Known Unknown Risks of the Contract:
- Risk Category: Regulatory Changes
Description:
There is a reasonable likelihood of changes to regulations during the contract term. As the Authority does not know what these changes could be, it is unable to address their potential impact at this stage.
Impact on the contract:
Such changes may require adjustments to:
- Technical specifications of goods or services.
- Compliance documentation and reporting processes.
- Delivery timelines and associated costs.
Modification Mechanism:
In accordance with Schedule 8, paragraph 5 of the Procurement Act 2023:
- If these regulatory changes materialise and are not caused by either party, the Authority may vary the contract to ensure compliance.
- Any variation will be limited to what is strictly necessary to meet the new legal requirements and will not increase the estimated contract value by more than 50%.
- A UK10 Contract Change Notice will be published to maintain transparency.
- Risk Category: A major accident
Description:
There is a chance that there may be a major accident involving one of the Environment Agency’s fleet. As this is unpredictable, the Environment Agency is unable to address its potential impact at this stage.
Impact on the contract:
Such accidents may require adjustments to:
- Contract value to replace affected fleet and to make any necessary changes to other assets in the fleet
- Technical specifications of goods or services.
- Compliance documentation and reporting processes.
- Delivery timelines.
Modification Mechanism:
In accordance with Schedule 8, paragraph 5 of the Procurement Act 2023:
- If these accidents materialise, the Authority may vary the contract to replace the fleet asset.
- Any variation will be limited to what is strictly necessary to replace or repair the asset and will not increase the estimated contract value by more than 50%.
- A UK10 Contract Change Notice will be published to maintain transparency.
- Risk Category: Ageing Fleet
Description:
As the Environment Agency’s fleet ages, it becomes more difficult to plan the maintenance and repair that the fleet will require.
Impact on Contract:
Unplanned maintenance and repairs may require adjustments to:
- Technical specifications of goods or services.
- Delivery timelines and associated costs.
Modification Mechanism:
In accordance with Schedule 8, paragraph 5 of the Procurement Act 2023:
- If unplanned repairs are needed, the Authority may vary the Contract to ensure the fleet is safe to operate.
- Any variation will be limited to what is strictly necessary to meet the new legal requirements and will not increase the estimated Contract value by more than 50%.
- A UK10 Contract Change Notice will be published to maintain transparency
How it was run
Official notice- Submission deadline
- 28 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 17 Dec 2025, 12:00 GMT
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome ↗
Any questions, requests to participate or tender submissions must be submitted electronically via this portal.
Timeline
27 Mar 2025 → 5 May 2026 · 11 dates- Planning notice published27 Mar 2025, 08:09 GMT
- Market engagement11 Apr 2025, 23:59 BST
Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) is seeking early expressions of interest and pre-market engagement from suppliers for a proposed 3-year contract for the maintenance of its fleet of owned marine vessels, and associated trailers, outboards and ancillary equipment. If you would like to review and respond to the Request for Information, please email Angelica Ho at [email protected] for a copy of the RFI document. Please note the closing date is Friday 11th April 2025.
- Next notice expected327 days ago3 Dec 2025, 23:59 GMT
- Tender notice published323 days ago8 Dec 2025, 09:05 GMT
- Clarification questions by314 days ago17 Dec 2025, 12:00 GMT
- Submission deadline272 days ago28 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Award decision expected by217 days ago23 Mar 2026, 23:59 GMT
- Contract starts203 days ago7 Apr 2026, 00:00 BST
- Assessment summaries sent195 days ago15 Apr 2026, 00:00 BST
- Standstill ends185 days ago24 Apr 2026, 23:59 BST
- Latest notice published175 days ago5 May 2026, 10:01 BST
Notice history
13 events · 5 releases on Find a Tender · since 27 Mar 2025- Preliminary market engagement notice published27 Mar 2025, 08:09 GMTUK2
- Pipeline notice published14 Nov 2025, 15:28 GMTUK1
- Published value updated to £12,500,00014 Nov 2025, 15:28 GMTwas £12,000,000
- Status changed to planned14 Nov 2025, 15:28 GMT
- Buyer details updated14 Nov 2025, 15:28 GMT
- Tender notice published8 Dec 2025, 09:05 GMTUK4
- Status changed to active8 Dec 2025, 09:05 GMT
- Procurement method changed8 Dec 2025, 09:05 GMT
- Deadline published: 28 Jan 2026, 12:00 GMT8 Dec 2025, 09:05 GMT
- Contract award notice published15 Apr 2026, 15:00 BSTUK6
- Status changed to complete15 Apr 2026, 15:00 BST
- Contract signature expected28 Apr 2026, 23:59 BSTscheduled
- Contract details notice published5 May 2026, 10:01 BSTUK7
Routine re-releases (5)
- 2025-11: 1 release · 14 Nov 2025
- 2025-03: 1 release · 27 Mar 2025
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth Marine LtdSME1 May 2026 – 30 Apr 2030 · up to 30 Apr 2032Extensions: One possible extension for a further two years. · Options: There is an option to extend for a further two years. | £12,076,999same award published again · counted once | 14 Apr 2026standstill to 24 Apr 2026 | Standstill |
| Plymouth Marine LtdSME | £12,076,999 † | — | Awarded |
Contracts
Marine In-Service Support · Plymouth Marine LtdSME
- Signed
- 30 Apr 2026
- Value
- £12,076,999
- Period
- 1 May 2026 – 30 Apr 2030 · up to 30 Apr 2032 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- One possible 2-year extension
7 agreed KPIs: Making Britain a Green Energy Superpower · Identifying and Managing the Risks of Modern Slavery in the Supply Chain · 100% of scheduled maintenance is booked at a minimum of 4 weeks in advance of the scheduled event due date and completed prior to the expiry date …
- Making Britain a Green Energy Superpower
- Identifying and Managing the Risks of Modern Slavery in the Supply Chain
- 100% of scheduled maintenance is booked at a minimum of 4 weeks in advance of the scheduled event due date and completed prior to the expiry date
- All Management Information and reporting to be provided by the scheduled due date or at least 5 working days prior to contract review meetings
- 100% of legal and statutory events completed prior to expiry date
- Maintain Fleet Asset availability of 95%
- All active sub-contractors must undergo at least one formal quality and competence audit per year, with documented evidence and rectification plans if required
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2final-stage tenders | 2 | 0 | — |
Who bid
- wonPlymouth Marine LimitedSME · South West England
- did not winBalaena LtdSME · South West England
Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
2 public bodies on the noticeOther public bodies
- DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRSProcuring entityPublic authority - central governmentConducting the procurement process.
Bidders & participating suppliers
2 commercial parties on the notice · 1 awarded- Balaena LtdBidder / tenderer
- Plymouth Marine LimitedAwarded supplier
Official documents & specifications (6)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
Notices published for this procedure
- Contract details notice Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Pipeline notice Pipeline notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender