Natural England Marine Monitoring Framework

Tender description

This document is an invitation to tender for a multi supplier framework to supply Marine Monitoring Services to the following Contracting Authorities: • Natural England • Defra • Environment Agency • Cefas • MMO • JNCC Natural England will be the main user and manage the Framework (the ‘Authority). Natural England is the government’s advisor on the natural environment. It provides practical advice, grounded in science, on how best to safeguard England’s natural wealth for the benefit of everyone. Its remit is to ensure sustainable stewardship of the land and sea so that people and nature can thrive. It is Natural England’s responsibility to see that England’s rich natural environment can adapt and survive intact for future generations to enjoy. The Authority is looking for suppliers to be part of a Framework of Services to supply Marine Monitoring Services. Natural England has been working as the Government’s statutory advisors to facilitate management of marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to meet the requirements of the European Habitats Directive. Marine Conservation Zones have also been designated, under the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) . The Habitats and Birds Directives together provide for the creation of a network of protected areas for important or threatened wildlife habitats across the European Union to be known as ‘Natura 2000’. Natural England is required to monitor and report upon the condition of the features of these sites. Baseline information was gathered for most SACs and this has been followed up with repeat monitoring during the last three years to provide current condition of the features. This framework agreement aims to put in place survey and analysis services which complement our existing partnership arrangements. It will run for a period of four (4) years from contract award.