National In-fill Survey of Gravity Measurements

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contract involves conducting a national in-fill survey of gravity measurements to address data gaps in the national gravity dataset. The project requires the acquisition of approximately 2,000 field gravity measurements across eight identified zones. These new measurements will be integrated and levelled with the existing 'DIAS' regional dataset.

• Field Measurements: Acquire approximately 2,000 gravity measurements.
• Zones: Data gaps identified in 8 zones; measurements to be taken from each.
• Integration: Merge new data with existing DIAS regional dataset.
• Repeat Measurements: Conduct repeated measurements of existing DIAS values, with a minimum of 2 from each zone.
• Data Correction: Deliver corrected Bouguer Anomaly data consistent with DIAS regional data.
• Reporting: Provide detailed reports on data acquisition and integration.
• Quality Control: Implement additional QC repeatable measurements.
• Survey Methodology: Develop and propose a survey design and data acquisition approach.
• Error Consideration: Address potential errors from survey parameters and data corrections.

3. Background & buyer context

This procurement is part of an initiative by the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment to enhance the national gravity dataset. The project aims to fill existing data gaps and improve the accuracy of the dataset, which is crucial for various environmental and ecological assessments. The initiative aligns with broader governmental efforts to leverage scientific data for informed decision-making in environmental policy and planning.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

• Turnover requirement: Minimum average annual turnover of €400,000 over the last three financial years.
• Insurance:
• Employers Liability: €12.7 million
• Public Liability: €6.5 million
• Professional Indemnity: €1 million
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Two satisfactory references, one related to similar services within the last 24 months.
• Personnel: Project Manager and senior geophysicist with at least 5 years’ experience.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Price/quality split is MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender).

6. Submission requirements

• Method statement / response document: Use named template, no page limits specified.
• CVs: Required for Project Manager and senior geophysicist.
• Pricing schedule: Complete Appendix 2.
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations: ESPD, Bona Fides, Tax clearance, Conflict of Interest.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: eTenders; follow specific format rules.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

The contract is for 16 months, with the possibility of two 6-month extensions. Payment terms are in accordance with the Services Contract. Key SLAs include timely data acquisition and integration. Liquidated damages or penalty regimes are not specified. Termination clauses allow for 14 days' notice under certain conditions. IP ownership and sub-contracting rules are not detailed. No parent-company guarantee or bond requirements are mentioned.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

The turnover requirement of €400,000 is relatively high compared to the contract value of €250,000, potentially limiting the pool of eligible bidders. The integration with the existing DIAS dataset may pose challenges for non-incumbents due to the need for compatibility with legacy data. The requirement for specific personnel experience could also narrow the field of potential bidders.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender is suitable for SMEs with a turnover of at least €400,000 and experience in geophysical surveys. Firms should have the necessary insurance coverage and personnel with relevant experience. Consortium bids and sub-contracting are allowed, offering flexibility for SMEs to partner with larger firms. Bid preparation is likely to require several days of effort, given the technical and documentation requirements. The presence of an incumbent is not specified, but the technical demands suggest a competitive field.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: Tellus-Gravity-Infill-Services-RFT-April-2026.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: Not specified
• Clarification portal: eTenders messaging facility
• Important attachments:
• Appendix 1: Requirements and Specifications
• Appendix 2: Pricing Schedule
• Appendix 5: Services Contract