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 (purchase of oysters) delivery contract, Welsh Marine Treasures, Natur am Byth

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

This invitation to tender covers a contract to supply native oysters, Ostrea edulis, to aid native oyster restoration within the Milford Haven waterway. This work will draw upon that delivered in the development phase of NaB! (Reference final report Annex 1.) and also on the work carried out by the Wales Native Oyster 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, we are anticipating the possibility of deploying a mixture of more robust spawning animals (in the region of >60mm or 50-60g) and also some smaller juvenile oysters. The larger more mature oysters will have a greater survival rate and hopefully will be contributing to local populations immediately. The smaller oysters will enable us to get more oysters in the water within the budget available. By utilising different size/age ranges and also multiple deployments we hope to mitigate mortality risks associated with Ostrea edulis growing and restocking. We would like to see some mature oysters deployed in 2024 and 2025, with further deployment of oysters in 2026 and 2027 as information from monitoring of the restoration areas helps to inform the optimal locations for deployment. The size/weight and number of oysters should be clearly detailed within the tender.

Deployment to restoration sites will be the responsibility of the ‘Monitoring and deployment’ contract and aided by the Pembrokeshire Regional Coordinator. Costs associated with the storage and transportation of oysters to the Milford Haven Waterway to fit with deployment logistics will need to be included within the tender.

In addition to the native oysters needed for natural lay within identified restoration sites (above), a total of 500 mature oysters will be needed as broodstock for the caged sites (Milford Haven and Rudder’s boatyard) to be supplied in Spring 2024. Allowance for replacements in case of mortality should be identified and incorporated. These oysters, as well as boosting local populations through natural spawning, will be used for engagement and educational activities.

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=136869.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

In the region of £55,000 excluding VAT

Native Oyster Purchase work package: Provide a supply of native oysters to best boost native oyster restoration within the Milford Haven Waterway according to the budget.

The tender is expected to include:

- Anticipated number of oysters to be provided and size/weight.

- A timetable for delivery, spread throughout the project period.

- Outline of rationale to maximise oyster survivability and growth and provide the maximum positive impact to restoration.

- Clear identification of project risks and action to minimise their impact on project delivery.

Deliverables: Storage, transportation and supply of native oysters to the Milford Haven Waterway, confirmation of oyster size/weight/numbers as far as is practicable

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:136869)

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

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice