Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bd0-2a9a-7066-90be-9355867a27f8/cefas25-121-request-for-quotation-for-hyperspectral-sensor-vnir-400-1000-nm awarded GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # CEFAS25-121 Request for Quotation for Hyperspectral Sensor (VNIR 400–1000 nm) [Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science](https://tendernation.io/buyers/centre-for-environment-fisheries-and-aquaculture-science) Incumbent usually keeps it Estimated value £92,000 Published 16 Jan 2026 Deadline Closed 5 Dec 2025 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Below-threshold contract Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts). [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85) - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender The continuous and escalating pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the intensified utilisation of natural habitats are placing marine ecosystems under unprecedented strain. This ongoing degradation compromises the resilience of these systems, making them more vulnerable to acute shocks like marine heat waves and spills, as well as chronic stresses such as wind farm construction. The decline in ecosystem health not only threatens fisheries and other livelihoods but also hampers our capacity for carbon absorption. To effectively manage and mitigate these challenges, there is an ever-increasing demand for cost-effective and targeted environmental monitoring. Modern technologies, including drones, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI), are proving invaluable in enhancing monitoring capabilities while reducing the need for intensive human involvement. However, traditional visible light surveys of benthic and coastal habitats offer limited insights into the identification of flora, fauna, and pollution. In response to these limitations, there is a growing adoption of hyperspectral imagery. This technology captures significant amounts of data beyond the visible light revealing new environmental detail, surpassing the capabilities of visible light or human monitoring. Cefas requires a sensor to develop and extend its monitoring capability for coastal and benthic environments. Hyperspectral imaging is required to detect and characterise flora and fauna on land (seaweed on rocks, on beach), sea surface (plankton, algae) and underwater (benthic epifauna and flora). In addition, ideally the sensor would allow us to detect pollutants such as plastics that are characterized more in the Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) range of spectrum. The sensor will support near‑term pilot pipelines for: (a) benthic habitat surveys (via Cefas custom built housing) and (b) aerial shoreline surveys for plastic detection, while providing a flexible platform for future applications. Scope of Requirements: ### Technical Requirement The Supplier will provide a complete hyperspectral infrared imaging solution suitable for both Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operation and laboratory use, including all necessary hardware, lenses, software and accessories required to acquire, calibrate, process and export orthorectified hyperspectral data cubes. At a minimum, the proposed system will be capable of capturing data across the Very Near Infrared (VNIR) spectral range (400–1000 nm). Ideally, a drone-mountable solution would extend coverage to include VNIR, Near Infrared (NIR), and as much of the SWIR range as feasible-targeting a full spectral span of approximately 400–2700 nm. Cefas understand that drone-compatible SWIR sensors may exceed the maximum available budget (£130,000 inc. VAT). Therefore, a hybrid approach of a drone-mounted VNIR sensor, complemented by a laboratory-based (non-flyable) SWIR system is an acceptable solution. Cefas is open to alternative configurations if the Supplier can propose a more suitable option that meets the technical requirements and stays within budget. In addition, the Supplier will provide comprehensive training on implementing data processing pipelines for hyperspectral data collected from the sensor, as well as operational support for Cefas drone pilots. This support will include training sessions covering environmental conditions, target selection, and sensor configuration to ensure optimal data collection Clear documentation of all data collection and processing steps are essential. Read full description ## CPV classification Measuring instruments Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-05e0aa-2026-01-16T10:51:12Z [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-05e0aa-2026-01-16T10:51:12Z) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/centre-for-environment-fisheries-and-aquaculture-science) [Sector More Laboratory & precision equipment tenders](https://tendernation.io/sectors/laboratory-precision-equipment) ## More tenders like this [Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – Vodíkový polygon CEETe H2 / CEETe H2 Hydrogen Polygon · Vysoká škola báňská - Technická univerzita Ostrava · 18 days left · 6 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-14ee-7238-941c-57e426068058/czechia-laboratory-optical-and-precision-equipments-excl-glasses-vodikov) [Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses) – Supply, Delivery, Installation, Testing, Commissioning and Training for 3 Automatic Asphalt Extraction Devices, including all necessary accessories required for complete and fully operational systems · Public Works Department · 29 days left · 17 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a15183-1c2c-7367-bb86-fdb6f5219ed7/cyprus-laboratory-optical-and-precision-equipments-excl-glasses-supply) [Parking meters – Parkautomaten · Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart, Haupt- und Personalamt, Abt. 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