CONTRACT NOTICE – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which documentation may be obtained

1.3

Completed documents must be returned to:

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Native Oyster Project (monitoring and deployment) delivery contract, Welsh Marine Treasures, Natur a

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

This invitation to tender covers a contract to aid native oyster restoration within the Milford Haven waterway. This work will draw upon that delivered in the development phase of NaB! ! (Annex 1. Reports: Natur am Byth! Native Oyster Project: Initial Overview, June 2022 (redacted version) and Natur am Byth! Native Oyster Project: Final Report, February 2023) and also on the work carried out by the Wales Native Oyster Restoration Project (Phase 1 & 2) and other work such as the Wild Oyster Project and the Native Oyster Restoration Handbook.

As part of the native oyster restoration work, mature and juvenile oysters will be deployed subtidally to boost local populations. It is anticipated that some mature oysters will be deployed in 2024 and 2025, with further deployment of juvenile oysters in 2025 and 2026. The number of oysters will be determined through a separate contract but it is estimated that the total number will likely be around 200,000 (of which around a quarter will likely be mature).

Deployment practicalities will be aided by the Pembrokeshire Regional Coordinator and oyster provider(s). Transportation of oysters to the Milford Haven Waterway will be covered by the ‘Purchase of broodstock’ contract. Deployment on site will require coordination with the oyster supplier(s) and costs should be included within this tender. Deployment to restoration sites will be the responsibility of the tenderer in order to best coordinate with a monitoring schedule.

The sites for deployment will be informed by (Reference final report Annex 1.) and the monitoring data as the project progresses. It is anticipated that deployment will occur in no more than 2 of the restoration study sites from the development phase.

Deployed oysters and also the existing population need to be monitored throughout the project period to provide evidence to aid understanding of survivability of introduced oysters, monitor potential new recruitment and also extend understanding of the issues impacting native oyster populations in the study area (the Milford Haven Waterway).

This tender is not expected to cover monitoring of human activity, engagement, or the caged oysters.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=136881.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

In the region of £54,000 including VAT

Native Oyster Monitoring work package: Carry out a programme of monitoring to gather data on wild and restored native oyster population status and issues impacting oyster health. Analyse and report upon data in order to aid NaB! native oyster restoration within the Milford Haven Waterway and more widely.

The tender is expected to include:

Explanation of monitoring technique(s) chosen and justification. For example the development phase work recommended drop down video as it produces images that can be used for further analysis including oyster counts and monitoring of predators and habitat suitability.

Demonstrated experience of undertaking monitoring work in similar environments and sensitive habitats.

Deployment of oysters at agreed restoration sites using methodology to maximise species recovery.

A monitoring and deployment plan including proposals for areas to be covered and timings of fieldwork and data analysis and reporting. See Annex 5 for site locations.

Regular liaison with project staff and some flexibility to encompass monitoring results as the project progresses.

A start-up meeting to confirm deployment and monitoring plans. This will be informed by the ‘Purchase of broodstock’ contract and flexibility in the submitted tender may be expected to suit all parties.

Please itemise your quote and provide a detailed timeline and spending profile.

Deliverables: Annual monitoring reports (2024, 2025, 2026, 2027) to include a summary of field activity and results. In addition to the last annual report, a separate final monitoring report to summarise activity throughout the project period should be provided to aid replication and best practice and inform native oyster restoration efforts elsewhere. This report should link to other relevant activity elsewhere and make recommendations for future work.

3 Conditions for Participation

3.1

Minimum standards and qualification required

Qualifications and competencies required:

Significant knowledge and experience of the biology, management and husbandry of native oysters.

Evidence/description of biosecurity measures in place to prevent the accidental ingress and spread of marine invasive non-native species and/or pathogens as part of the proposal i.e. Pacific oysters from hatchery producing both Ostrea edulis and Magallana gigas.

Experience of successfully working with relevant marine stakeholders and partners to deliver projects, especially restoration initiatives.

Understanding of Welsh Language (desirable)

4 Administrative Information

4.1

Type of Procedure

Single stage

4.2

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

N/a

4.3

Time Limits

4.5

Language or languages in which tenders or requests to participate can be drawn up

4.6

Tender Submission Postbox

5 Other Information

5.1

Additional Information

The process for submitting tenders is very tightly controlled to make sure everyone is treated equally. Unfortunately this means that we cannot accept emailed tenders. Tenders can only be submitted by electronic means via Sell to Wales. Please note that all questions should also be directed through Sell to Wales before 22nd December 2024. We will not be available to answer questions thereafter.

(WA Ref:136881)

The buyer considers that this contract is suitable for consortia bidding.

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice