Purchase & Installation of Echosounder System

The Scottish Ministers, Marine Directorate invites tenders for the purchase and installation of a scientific, multi-frequency, wideband, echosounder system to replace the existing Simrad EK60 echosounder system on our Marine Research Vessel (MRV) Alba Na Mara.

The MRV Alba Na Mara, is currently equipped with an aging, ( ~20 years), scientific echosounder system operating at 3 individual frequencies (38, 120 and 200 kHz). The current system is now unsupported in terms of replacement components. Recently, the existing 38 kHz ES38B transducer was damaged beyond repair. A new ES 38-7 transducer was fitted in dry dock but is not supported by the current EK60 system. The transducers are mounted on a retractable sonar pod.

As well as continually providing water column depth, productivity and information on seabed type these acoustic devices are the primary tools used in the creation of population indices for pelagic species including herring, mackerel, sprat and blue whiting. Data which is vital in producing accurate stock assessments for the respective species throughout the North East Atlantic, the North Sea and in Scotland’s sea lochs. In co-operation with ICES partners, stock assessments, along with landing and discard data, allow Marine Directorate colleagues to provide advice around the setting of quotas for these important fish stocks.

SPD will be scored on a pass/fail basis.

Question scoring methodology for Award Criteria outlined in Invitation to Tender.

0 - Unacceptable. Nil or inadequate response. Fails to demonstrate an ability to meet the requirement.

1 - Poor. Response is partially relevant but generally poor. The response addresses some elements of the requirement but contains insufficient/limited detail or explanation to demonstrate how the requirement will be fulfilled.

2 - Acceptable. Response is relevant and acceptable. The response addresses a broad understanding of the requirement but may lack details on how the requirement will be fulfilled in certain areas.

3 - Good. Response is relevant and good. The response is sufficiently detailed to demonstrate a good understanding and provides details on how the requirements will be fulfilled.

4 - Excellent. Response is completely relevant and excellent overall. The response is comprehensive, unambiguous and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the requirement and provides details of how the requirement will be met in full.