CEFAS25-47 – Contract for a Database-Driven Smartphone App for Pitcairn Visitor Engagement

The Blue Belt Programme works with the UK Overseas Territories to support the development of effective marine protection strategies and management. The Pitcairn Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) is one of the largest continuous ocean protection zones in the world, safeguarding unique local species and habitats, as well as species of global importance.

Pitcairn Island, the only inhabited island in the group, is home to a small population with a unique cultural connection to the surrounding waters. Since the MPA’s designation, industrial fishing has been completely banned, with only a small artisanal fishery permitted around Pitcairn Island.

Little is known about the movement of key animal species, such as humpback whales, Galapagos sharks and green turtles, within the MPA. There is even less understanding of how these species interact with the islands and human activities. Our ability to monitor wildlife within the MPA significantly influences how the area is managed to maximise its conservation impact. Due to the size and remoteness of much of the MPA, it can be difficult to monitor areas outside of the immediate vicinity of the inhabited island.

While the outer waters are rarely visited by Pitkerners, visiting yachts and adventurous cruise ships frequently pass by the uninhabited islands. By engaging these visitors and collecting their wildlife sightings, we can improve our understanding of species movements and occurrences within the MPA.

Mobile phones provide the perfect platform for this kind of incidental data collection. Many organisations already use mobile applications to gather important wildlife information and provide users with details about the species they encounter.

A mobile app has been developed to assist the UK Overseas Territories (UKOT) in recording sightings of marine wildlife, pollution and other observations of interest to OT Government. The application also provides some information for visitors to the MPA, including details on its creation, key species and habitats, and associated threats. Users can input data via drop-down menus, add free text, and upload images of sightings.

The App has been developed and approved but is yet to be launched. The application must be made available on both, Apple Store and Google Play. The central database, which stores information collected via the app, will require hosting and must be accessible to Cefas, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and UKOT Governments. No personal information of users is stored in the database. The database must remain external to Cefas, with the intention to transfer control of the app and database to the Pitcairn Government after January 2028.

Hosting must be located within the EU to meet CEFAS requirements. Suggested hosting specification is 4 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 150 GB storage, Windows OS. The database should allow for up to 150 GB capacity for the full contract duration, although actual size will depend on user uptake and app usage. Current app size is 121 MB when installed on Android and 90 MB on disk, with growth expected post-launch as images and data accumulate.

The database currently uses PostgreSQL and exports data to CSV via SFTP. Scripts run every five minutes to push new entries to the SFTP area, and email notifications are generated for each new entry. Notifications will initially go to Cefas but must later include pitcairn.gov.pn or other government addresses. Access must be managed for up to 10 users across multiple government organisations.

Exact service KPIs are to be discussed, however the service must provide:

• resolution and reporting for any planned downtime providing at least two weeks’ notice and ideally scheduled between 23:00 and 05:00 local time
• triage and restoration for unplanned outages or reported bugs, ensuring that critical issues affecting all app users are resolved within 24 hours
• a documented and proven bug reporting methodology
• regular updates and maintenance to ensure smooth operation across all supported platforms

The supplier must be available for virtual meetings with Cefas and the Pitcairn team to assist with linking developer accounts and enabling app launch by March 2026. Please note that due to the time zone differences, this may occasionally occur outside standard UK business hours.

Deliverables:

1. App Launch:

Work with Cefas and the Government of Pitcairn Islands to successfully launch the App on Google Play and Apple Store for Android and Apple users. This includes linking of the Pitcairn-owned developer accounts and, if required, virtual meetings with the Pitcairn Island Office team.

o To be delivered by March 2026.

2. Database hosting:

To host the central database from the start of the pre-launch preparation period through to the end of the contract period. The hosting solution must:

• Ensure full compliance and adhere to Cefas security standards.
• Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit to protect sensitive information.
• Enable weekly database backups to safeguard data integrity and allow recovery in case of system corruption or failure.

3. Application Maintenance:

Maintain the application software from app launch through to the end of the contract period. Maintenance shall include, but is not limited to:

• Implementing bug fixes and addressing reported issues within 5 business days of notification.
• Providing updates to guarantee uninterrupted availability on Google Play and Apple Store, with strict adherence to all current and future platform requirements. Compliance with these requirements is essential.
• Ensuring sustained functionality across all supported mobile devices and operating systems.
• Managing compatibility with new OS versions and applying necessary updates to maintain performance and security.
• Monitoring and responding to any changes in app store policies or technical standards to prevent removal or disruption of service.

4. Support Package:

Provide a support package of 12 hours for any updates to the app content that may be required (initiated via email request or logging), available from the app launch through to the end of the contract period.

5. Handover Assistance:

Provide full assistance to ensure a complete and seamless handover of all app property to either the Government of Pitcairn Islands or a designated third party. The handover must include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Delivery of the full and up-to-date source code for the application, including any scripts, libraries, and dependencies required for build and deployment.

API integrations, configuration settings, and deployment instructions.

• Relevant end-user guides and administrator manuals as relevant.
• Secure transfer of all credentials, keys, and access rights necessary for hosting, maintaining, and updating the application and database.
• Documentation of hosting environment, server specifications, backup and recovery procedures, and any third-party services used.
• Details of any outstanding issues, known bugs, and recommended maintenance routines.
• Provision of knowledge transfer meetings if required (virtual or in-person).
• Key contact details for ongoing support during the transition period.
• Evidence of compliance with all data protection, privacy, and security requirements throughout the handover process.
• Full cooperation to ensure the new organisation can independently host, maintain, and develop the app and database
• Provision of post-handover support for 60 days to address any transition-related issue.
  • To be delivered by Feb 2028.

6. Additional Support Hours:

If the initial 12-hour support allocation is fully used, extra hours may be required to accommodate minor content changes to the app. These changes could include updates to wording or adding links to documents. An “additional hours” support package shall be included in the proposal and fully costed.