North-East Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) Scheme 2023 - 2027 Opportunistic macroalgae/Seagrass percent cover (OMC) and Opportunistic macroalgae biomass (OMB) ring tests

"The North-East Atlantic Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme aims to enhance quality control in marine biological monitoring.

The contract is required for the running of the NMBAQC Opportunistic Macroalgae percentage cover (OMC) and biomass (OMB) ring tests as part of the ongoing requirements of the NMBAQC scheme in developing and delivering quality assurance and analytical quality control protocols for marine ecological monitoring requirements. The contract will run for 4 years (initial 2 years with 2 x 1 year extensions subject to supplier performance) from September 2023.

The percentage cover ring test (OMC) allows comparison of participants' assessments between labs and between individuals. It tests participants' ability to assess the presence and density of algae and seagrass. Annual reports providing the results of the OMC ring test will be required.

The biomass ring test (OMB) allows comparison of participants' assessments between labs. It is designed to assess participants' efficiency and accuracy in processing algal biomass samples and to highlight areas of difference among participants or laboratories. It also looks at any differences between the quadrat assessment methods used to ensure these are comparable and consistent across labs and participants. Annual reports providing the results of the OMB ring test will be required.

The exercises may be used by participants either as a performance indicator or as a training exercise."

Additional information: "To apply for this opportunity, please submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the attached Request for Quotation (RFQ) document.

Please send your response to graham.phillips@environment-agency.gov.uk by 18:00 BST on Monday 28th August 2023.

If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity please submit these via email to graham.phillips@environment-agency.gov.uk by 18:00 BST on Monday 14th August 2023. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers."