Hydrographic Survey Framework

Tender description

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (The Authority) is a Trading Fund of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Its primary role is to meet national, defence and civil requirements for navigational and other hydrographic information in the most efficient manner. The Authority is tasked to conduct a number of small hydrographic surveys in various locations around the world to assist in updating charting and associated publications to modern standards. The countries for deployment are primarily Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the Commonwealth that are eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding. These are split into 3 regions; Pacific, Caribbean and Africa & Indian Ocean. A few potential countries in each region are listed in the Tender documents to give an idea to those tendering for this contract, but this is in no way a definitive list, is not in any particular order and is subject to change. There is the possibility for the surveying requirement to extend to countries other than Commonwealth SIDS. Deployment to any country will always be discussed with the Company with as much advanced warning as possible. This requirement is subject to external funding agreements and therefore, whilst anticipated to run for four (4) years, is dependent on funding being agreed for future years. While the Authority has a number of qualified and experienced hydrographic surveyors to conduct these surveys, it does not own survey equipment or employ survey engineers/technicians. The Authority is therefore seeking to set up a framework that will allow it to be able to draw on the following four (4) services in a timely manner when required: LOT 1: SURVEY EQUIPMENT HIRE The rental of suitable equipment along with a technician on a survey by survey basis, to be deployed to locations worldwide as required. LOT 2: LiDAR SURVEY The chartering of an aircraft and crew on a survey by survey basis, to be deployed to locations worldwide as required. LOT3: MULTI-BEAM ECHO SOUNDER SURVEY The chartering of a boat and crew on a survey by survey basis, to be deployed to locations worldwide as required. LOT 4: SATELLITE DERIVED BATHYMETRY SURVEY The acquisition of suitable imagery to be used for deriving bathymetry, on a survey by survey basis, for locations worldwide as required. The scope of this contract also includes advice and support services relating to any of the above. Suppliers will be expected to work with the Authority and any third party supplier the Authority may appoint during the course of the framework agreement.