CEFAS23-147 Contract for a smartphone app for UKOT MPA wildlife sightings

The Blue Belt Programme require the supplier to create a Smartphone application to assist the UK Overseas Territories (OT) to record sightings of marine wildlife, pollution and other things which may be of interest to the OT Government. It is envisaged that the App will contain some information for visitors of the MPA including text on the creation of the MPA, images and text on the key species and habitats and on some of the threats to the MPA.

The supplier is required to develop a Smartphone application that:

• has the ability to collect data more efficiently whilst at sea and is available to visiting tourists, scientists and local residents
• has the ability to collect data more accurately (e.g. avoiding human error by simultaneously recording location via GPS and time, appending a photograph etc.)
• can function outside of mobile and/or Wi-Fi reception range and enables records to be uploaded once the user connects to Wi-Fi.
• can be used on the most popular phone operating systems e.g. Android and Apple phones

The application must be accessible to all, and the awarded supplier must comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

In addition to the Smartphone application, Cefas also require the supplier to develop an external central database where the information can be stored. This must be an external database as the intention is to future proof the requirement for handover to the Pitcairn Government in the coming years.

It is envisaged that the application will be running as a 'Live Beta' until March 2025, to enable the supplier to carry out any updates and amendments that may be required in the initial stages to ensure continuous improvement.