Uk SBS - UK National Seabed Mapping Programme- Scoping Study

*** This tender requirement was abandoned prior to a Contract award decision. ***

A number of public sector bodies map the seabed. They already coordinate but recognise a greater level of coordination could yield benefits for planning, businesses, the environment and safety. Businesses would be able to utilise the data and local authorities, regulatory bodies and other public sector organisations would share access. It could potentially be a major contribution to the Government's open source data programme and strengthen the UK's growth capacity. Background to the Requirement The public and private sectors have been aware for some time of the need to have a national programme for mapping the seabed. With the present increased coordination, it is felt that the climate is now right to put this into practice. Matthew Hancock, when he was the Minister of State for Business and Energy, agreed with the industry that a scoping study should be undertaken. The study will be carried out on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Defra, Crown Estate and BIS. The contractor will report to BIS. Aims To produce a report that outlines the seabed mapping currently undertaken by the public sector and recommends what economic and technological benefits there could be from undertaking a national coordinated approach to seabed mapping. Objectives The research and analysis will examine the requirements of governmental and private sector organisations in relation bathymetric, environmental (biological) and geological data sets. The maritime professional bodies and private sector will be able to explain the development of technology, skills and value added data of possible products and services.

Additional information: As part of the strategic alliance between UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) and Crown Commercial Service (CCS), UK SBS can use the CCS eSourcing Suite for future procurements.

If you have not yet registered on the eSourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link 'Register for CCS eSourcing'. Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so.

Once you have registered on the eSourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement. This is done by emailing [email protected] Your email must clearly state: the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; the name of the registered Bidder; and the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email. Crown Commercial Service will process the email and then enable the Bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done. The Sourcing documents can then be accessed on the eSourcing Suite at: https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk using the instructions detailed in the Specification documents within Contracts Finder.

As a user of the e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to Emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information. For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service Helpdesk : Telephone: 0345 010 3503 Training documents to support Bidders utilise Emptoris CCS eSourcing are available in the Contracts Finder Tender documents section.