MERMAN Data Management 2023

Marine Environmental Monitoring and Assessment National Database (MERMAN): The Contracting Authority is seeking a supplier to provide expertise in marine data management and support services for the MERMAN database. The service will ensure delivery of quality-assured marine environmental data to relevant parties to provide an evidence-base underpinning policy decisions within the UK and Europe. This shall include undertaking minor enhancements to the MERMAN database (for example, adjusting data validation rules, updating reference data and spreadsheet templates, and updating the station dictionary), as necessary, (estimate 10 instances, per annum), coordination of data submissions and transfer of quality-controlled data in a timely manner to International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) and supporting data requests by other third parties. These requirements, defined by Defra and members of the Clean Safe Seas Evidence Group (CSSEG), have been successfully delivered between 2006-2022 and there must be a seamless transition from the old system to the new.

The MERMAN database is currently being redesigned to allow the system to incorporate new data types, respond effectively to changes in ICES submission requirements, act interoperable with other marine data systems, and streamline data validation processes. The Authority would like an initial term of 2years with a further 2years extension.

This notice is for information only. The Contracting Authority may or may not subsequently publish a formal contract opportunity notice in the future. Please note that we have a separate RFI document available to suppliers. This can be requested by contacting the following email address: DgC.E-Commercial.systems@defra.gov.uk. Please also note that the deadline for responses to the RFI is 28 February 2023, 12:00 GMT, and we therefore advise interested suppliers to make contact as soon as possible in order to access this. The above is neither an exhaustive nor a final set of requirements. It is subject to development prior to any potential subsequent contract opportunity notice utilising the outputs from the RFI responses.

Potential providers are advised that should the Contracting Authority subsequently publish a formal contract notice, the procurement will be managed (including the submission of tender responses) via the Contracting Authority's e-procurement portal.

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome

Any questions, requests to participate or tender submissions must be submitted electronically via this portal.