CEFAS26-74 Laboratory Container Facilities for Blue Belt Programme

Overview

The Blue Belt Programme is the UK Government’s flagship marine conservation programme, partnering with a number of the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). Together, we work to improve protection and sustainable use practices within the waters of the UKOTs to safeguard marine biodiversity and the practices of local communities. Fisheries Science in the UKOTs Fishing is an important activity in a number of the UKOTs, ranging from commercial fishing operations through to recreational fishing for subsistence and leisure. Fisheries science, the collection and analysis of information pertaining to fish species and their fishery(ies), is fundamental to effective and responsive management of these activities and their impacts. Many countries have a nationally coordinated system of data collection from fisheries, but in small communities with limited local capacity, this is generally impractical. In such contexts, fostering collaboration with fishers is essential to ensure fair and participatory management. This requirement for UKOTs, Montserrat and Ascension Island, is for the provision of containerised laboratory facilities that will be used to support the collection of essential samples and data from local fishers. Aims and Objectives To facilitate the collection of samples and data for fisheries science, the Governments of Ascension Island and Montserrat require laboratory facilities that be located at the main fish landing sites. The desired contents and layout of each of these facilities are detailed in the specifications below. The Supplier will procure, construct, and deliver these two containerised laboratories to Ascension Island and Montserrat. Scope of Requirements Cefas require two containerised laboratory facilities according to the general and specific criteria outlined below, including procurement, manufacture, and delivery. General Requirements in 4.1. apply equally for both laboratories. The desired layout and any specific requirements for each UKOT are provided in 4.2 and 4.3. Installation of facilities is not required in either case as this will be handled by the respective UKOT Governments. If installation guidance is considered useful or where the installation method may be considered as potentially voiding any warranties, the Supplier may optionally provide this together with specific details and any impact on contract value in their submission as per APPENDIX 5. General Requirements The basic structure of each laboratory should be based upon conversion of an ISO standard 20-foot (6.06 metres external length) new shipping container1 converted into laboratory and plant room space(s). Since these containers will require sea freight to their final destinations, they must be supplied with in-date Container Safety Certificates (CSC), adhering to the International Maritime Organisation International Convention for Safe Containers2 with recessed doors, windows, etc. The CSC should have sufficient time (at least 6 months past the expected delivery) remaining to allow for unexpected delays that may occur during transit. Each container requires external fixtures and connections for both electrical and plumbing service, as specified below in Sections 4.2 and 4.3. Flooring should be of laboratory standard, anti-static, anti-slip, and resistant to staining or spills of chemicals. Flooring should have a lip of at least 100mm on all sides (excluding the doorway) fit for easy cleaning. Each container must include the components as detailed below to be procured, installed and tested by the Supplier. Representative examples of fitted equipment are given below as footnotes for clarity (such examples should not be considered requests for, or endorsements of, the specific product linked). The Supplier is free to suggest comparable products that they consider more suitable based on the grounds of cost, availability, compatibility, and functionality. All electrical and mechanical components should be supplied new and with a warranty appli