UK Shared Business Services Limited invited tenders on behalf of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, for the provision of underwater and surface gliders.
The Framework Agreement scope is split into 5 Lots:
Lot 1: Shallow Underwater Gliders capable of operating at depths up to 200m;
Lot 2: Deep Gliders capable of operating at depths up to 1000m;
Lot 3: Surface Gliders capable of operating on the surface of the water;
Lot 4: Spares and Ancillary Equipment required for the operation of all underwater vehicles required in Lots 1, 2, and 3;
Lot 5: Other Autonomous Vehicles and Equipment: any autonomous vehicle not covered in previous Lots.
The gliders are provided at the point of use for NERC and other funded science projects. These gliders are commercially available instruments (COTS) that are operated and serviced by MARS and other trained NERC personnel.
This specification is to enable MARS and other organisations working through UKSBS to purchase new and replacement gliders, as well as components, spares, parts, sensors, batteries, calibrations and training to fulfil this role.
The contract with the value between £100,000 and £5 million will last for 4 years.
The deadline for the submission of tenders is July 28, 2014.
Subsea World News Staff, June 27, 2014; Image: NOC