Official UK procurement notice
Provision of Ocean Bottom Seismometers
Authority: National Oceanography Centre (Public body)·Consortium: 2 public authorities
What is being bought
Published requirement descriptionThe National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has entered into a contract following an open procedure conducted under section 20(2)(a) of the Procurement Act 2023. The competition allowed any interested and qualified supplier to submit a tender, and the process was carried out in full compliance with the Act and associated Regulations. All tender documentation, including the specification, was made available through the MyTenders portal.
Evaluation was undertaken in accordance with the published Invitation to Tender methodology. This included compliance checks against mandatory requirements and pass/fail criteria, scoring of qualitative and technical responses against weighted criteria, pricing evaluation using the stated formula, and overall ranking based on combined quality and price scores to identify the most economically advantageous tender. Due diligence checks were completed prior to award, and a mandatory standstill period was observed before contract signature.
Under this contract, the supplier will provide a pool of broadband ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) systems for deep-ocean research, together with one complete deck communications and seabed-ranging system, plus commissioning support, documentation and warranties. These systems will support geohazard monitoring, seismic and acoustic studies, and wider marine science. Delivery is required by 31 March 2026 to enable mobilisation for Spring 2026 expeditions. The OBS pool will be deployed worldwide, including depths of at least 6,000 m, across a broad temperature range, and must support long-duration deployments on varied seabed conditions for both passive and active seismic studies.
The contract includes:
- Fully delivered pricing for three options detailed in Schedule 6, each including the deck communications system.
- Deployment consumables for each instrument (anchors, burn wire where applicable, batteries for extended deployments).
- Complete documentation covering assembly, deployment, recovery, data workflows and safety considerations.
- Commissioning support to bring the pool into service.
Warranties and servicing:
The supplier will warrant electronic and datalogger components, sensors and mechanical elements for at least 12 months and provide any manufacturer-advised servicing or calibrations for the seismometer within the first five years of ownership. Future compatible firmware, software and data processing updates are also included.
Logistics and timetable:
All equipment, consumables and documentation will be delivered no later than 31 March 2026 to enable pre-cruise testing, training and mobilisation for the Spring 2026 expedition window. Delivery includes all logistics necessary to place the equipment into NOC's custody, ready for commissioning activities.
- The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 5 Sept 2029, 23:59 BST.
- No preliminary market engagement: Preliminary market engagement was carried out to inform requirements and funding applications. Initial engagement supported our ARIA grant and internal approvals by confirming technical feasibility, indicative costs, lead times and market capabilities. A formal notice was not published because these activities were solely for funding applications, not to initiate competition. The earlier rental approach would have been delivered via a collaboration contract outside of the scope of the Procurement Act.
CPV: Surveying, hydrographic, oceanographic and hydrological instruments and appliances
The lotProcurement structure
single lot · value publishedLot #1AwardedRenewalPublished value£360,000
- Economic & financial standing
Please see tender documentation: PSQ
- Technical & professional ability
Please see tender documentation PSQ and Mandatory Technical Criteria (Schedule 8)
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).
- OPTION 1: Purchase of 4 OBS Units
- OPTION 2: Purchase of 5 OBS Units
- OPTION 3: Purchase of 6 OBS Units
- Technical Sub-Criteria 1. Instrument: Please note that a full break down of sub criteria is available in (Schedule 6) along with evaluation criteria and weightings
- Technical Sub-Criteria 2. Communication & Recovery: Please note that a full break down of sub criteria is available in (Schedule 6) along with evaluation criteria and weightings
- Technical Sub-Criteria 3. Sensors: Please note that a full break down of sub criteria is available in (Schedule 6) along with evaluation criteria and weightings
- Technical Sub Criteria 4. Datalogger: Please note that a full break down of sub criteria is available in (Schedule 6) along with evaluation criteria and weightings
- Economic & financial standing
Please see tender documentation: PSQ
- Technical & professional ability
Please see tender documentation PSQ and Mandatory Technical Criteria (Schedule 8)
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Open procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Goods
- 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 5 Sept 2029
- First published
- 5 Sept 2025, 17:28 BST
- Last source update
- 3 Nov 2025, 10:23 GMT
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 3 Oct 2025
- Authority reference
NOCP00487- FTS notice number
2025/S 000-054444- Latest notice
- Contract details notice (UK7)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-059555Find a Tender- Contract terms summary
Milestone payment plan in agreement with successful supplier. Minimum payment term of 30 days from test and acceptance and invoice will be applied.
- Risks
Failure to deliver the proposed and contracted solution by the mandatory delivery date of the 31.03.2026.
Failure of any mandatory technical requirements.
How it was run
Official notice- Submission deadline
- 30 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 17 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
All tenders must be submitted electronically via www.mytenders.co.uk ↗. Submissions by email or post will not be accepted.
Timeline
5 Sept 2025 → 3 Nov 2025 · 8 dates- Tender notice published5 Sept 2025, 17:28 BST
- Clarification questions by393 days ago17 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
- Submission deadline380 days ago30 Sept 2025, 12:00 BST
- Award decision expected by377 days ago3 Oct 2025, 23:59 BST
- Assessment summaries sent372 days ago9 Oct 2025, 00:00 BST
- Standstill ends360 days ago20 Oct 2025, 23:59 BST
- Contract starts357 days ago24 Oct 2025, 00:00 BST
- Latest notice published346 days ago3 Nov 2025, 10:23 GMT
Notice history
7 events · 4 releases on Find a Tender · since 5 Sept 2025- Tender notice published5 Sept 2025, 17:28 BSTUK4
- Tender notice published5 Sept 2025, 17:37 BSTUK4
- Contract award notice published9 Oct 2025, 11:59 BSTUK6
- Status changed to complete9 Oct 2025, 11:59 BST
- Buyer details updated9 Oct 2025, 11:59 BST
- Contract signature expected24 Oct 2025, 23:59 BSTscheduled
- Contract details notice published3 Nov 2025, 10:23 GMTUK7
Published amendments (1)
Due to e-sender restrictions a description for the prior market engagement was not posted and the incorrect choice of "No" to has market testing taken place was not selected. This has been corrected and the relevant description posted. It was also automatically noted that this relates to a Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) it does not and the change has been made.
Routine re-releases (4)
- 2025-09: 1 release · 5 Sept 2025
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GURALP SYSTEMS LIMITEDSME24 Oct 2025 – 31 Mar 2027 · up to 30 Mar 2031Extensions: A year‑on‑year renewable warranty is available for up to four additional years beyond the initial 12‑month warranty period. This extension ensures long‑term support, predictable maintenance costs and continued access to servicing and updates. Each extension can be exercised annually at the buyer's discretion, providing flexibility to align with budget cycles and asset management plans. These extensions also cover the optional uptakes covered within the ITT and Description of Options. · Options: The Authority reserves the right to make additional purchases while the contract remains valid. These options are intended to provide flexibility for operational continuity, budget alignment, and future capability requirements. Single-unit purchase Informational pricing is requested for the purchase of an additional OBS unit. This option allows incremental expansion if further funding becomes available after contract award and provides a contingency measure should an instrument be lost or damaged, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Single-unit rental Informational pricing is requested for the rental of an OBS unit. This option offers a short-term solution to mitigate risks associated with manufacturing lead times or logistical challenges that could impact the Spring 2026 deployment schedule. It also enables temporary fleet expansion for specific campaigns without committing to a full capital purchase. Extended warranty A renewable warranty extension is available on a year-by-year basis for up to four additional years beyond the initial 12-month coverage. This ensures long-term support, predictable maintenance costs, and continued access to servicing and updates. Each extension may be exercised annually at the Authority's discretion, providing flexibility to align with budget cycles and asset management plans. Servicing and consumables Informational pricing is requested for routine servicing and the supply of consumables required to maintain operational readiness of OBS units and associated deck systems. This includes scheduled maintenance at the supplier's home base (exclusive of parts and delivery), replacement components such as batteries, seals, and connectors, and optional on-site technical support where available. These provisions ensure continuity of operations and predictable lifecycle costs. The Authority may also consider refurbished OBS units as part of future capability requirements. Where such units represent a value-for-money solution, the Authority may initiate a separate procurement process or modify the awarded contract, subject to regulatory compliance. The Authority may consider contract modification under Section 74(1)(a) and Schedule 8(1) & (5) of the Procurement Act 2023 to include additional or refurbished OBS units, should the successful supplier be capable of supplying them and should such a need arise post-award. | £450,000 | 9 Oct 2025 | Awarded |
Contracts
NOCP00487 - Provision of Ocean Bottom Seismometers · GURALP SYSTEMS LIMITEDSME
- Signed
- 1 Nov 2025
- Value
- £370,833
- Period
- 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Mar 2027 · up to 30 Mar 2030 with extensions
- Status
- active
- Extensions
- A year‑on‑year renewable warranty is available for up to four additional years beyond the initial 12‑month warranty period. This extension ensures long‑term support, predictable maintenance costs and continued access to servicing and updates. Each extension can be exercised annually at the buyer's discretion, providing flexibility to align with budget cycles and asset management plans. These extensions also cover the optional uptakes covered within the ITT and Description of Options. Clarification: The optional extension dates have been regularised to align with the UK4 notice (possible extension to 31 March 2030) and correct an earlier drafting error in UK6 which stated an extension until 31.03.2031. This does not broaden scope or value and reflects the actual contract terms which were aligned to the tendered extensions.
- Options
- The Authority reserves the right to make additional purchases while the contract remains valid. These options are intended to provide flexibility for operational continuity, budget alignment, and future capability requirements. Single-unit purchase Informational pricing is requested for the purchase of an additional OBS unit. This option allows incremental expansion if further funding becomes available after contract award and provides a contingency measure should an instrument be lost or damaged, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Single-unit rental Informational pricing is requested for the rental of an OBS unit. This option offers a short-term solution to mitigate risks associated with manufacturing lead times or logistical challenges that could impact the Spring 2026 deployment schedule. It also enables temporary fleet expansion for specific campaigns without committing to a full capital purchase. Extended warranty A renewable warranty extension is available on a year-by-year basis for up to four additional years beyond the initial 12-month coverage. This ensures long-term support, predictable maintenance costs, and continued access to servicing and updates. Each extension may be exercised annually at the Authority's discretion, providing flexibility to align with budget cycles and asset management plans. Servicing and consumables Informational pricing is requested for routine servicing and the supply of consumables required to maintain operational readiness of OBS units and associated deck systems. This includes scheduled maintenance at the supplier's home base (exclusive of parts and delivery), replacement components such as batteries, seals, and connectors, and optional on-site technical support where available. These provisions ensure continuity of operations and predictable lifecycle costs. The Authority may also consider refurbished OBS units as part of future capability requirements. Where such units represent a value-for-money solution, the Authority may initiate a separate procurement process or modify the awarded contract, subject to regulatory compliance. The Authority may consider contract modification under Section 74(1)(a) and Schedule 8(1) & (5) of the Procurement Act 2023 to include additional or refurbished OBS units, should the successful supplier be capable of supplying them and should such a need arise post-award.
No agreed KPIs: KPIs are not set because this is a specification‑led, deliverable‑based contract where performance is controlled through formal FAT/SAT acceptance, fixed delivery milestones and contractual remedies for delay/defect. These objective pass/fail gateways and time‑bound obligations provide stronger assurance than standalone KPIs and avoid duplicative administrative burden. Warranty and quality obligations further safeguard performance, making additional KPIs unnecessary and disproportionate for NOCP00487.
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2final-stage tenders | 2 | 0 | — |
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
2 public bodies on the noticeBidders & participating suppliers
1 commercial party on the notice- GURALP SYSTEMS LIMITEDAwarded supplier
Official documents & specifications (6)
Official links; attachments are not copiedTender pack and attachments
- Bidding documents and specifications Please see attached the PSQ. Further Documents can be accessed on our e-tendering Portal www.mytenders.co.uk
- Bidding documents and specifications Please see attached the ITT containing all pertinent references and tender details. Associated schedules can be accessed on our e-tendering Portal www.mytenders.co.uk
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
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender