UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

The aim of this tender is to procure a supplier to manage the design and production of Kew magazine. The publication is produced three times per annum and forms part of the package of benefits for those who join Kew Garden membership scheme, of which there are approximately 80,000 memberships (or approximately 110,000 members). Delivered as a print product to approximately 80,000 households, Kew magazine is viewed as an important communication tool to inform members about the Gardens including our Wakehurst site, Kew’s scientific purpose, and what’s on for members to enjoy.

The aim of this tender is to procure a supplier to manage the design and production of Kew magazine. The publication is produced three times per annum and forms part of the package of benefits for those who join Kew Garden membership scheme, of which there are approximately 80,000 memberships (or approximately 110,000 members). Delivered as a print product to approximately 80,000 households, Kew magazine is viewed as an important communication tool to inform members about the Gardens including our Wakehurst site, Kew's scientific purpose, and what's on for members to enjoy.

The laboratories at RBG Kew are seeking a solution to allow microplate-based spectrophotometric readings and automated microbial growth recording in a single device. This multimode plate reader should enable microplate-based readings for multiple labels used in drug discovery based on absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence and automated recording of microbial growth curves in microplates. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ('RBG Kew') is a world-famous centre for botanical and mycological knowledge, with two inspiring gardens at Kew in west London and Wakehurst in Sussex. The scientific mission of RBG Kew is to 'Stop Biodiversity Loss'. This requirement for a microbial multimode plate will support the following two research threads. (1) Drug discovery. Researchers using the Biochemistry facilities within the Jodrell Laboratory (Kew site) study the small molecules in plants and fungi to demonstrate the value plant and fungal chemodiversity, for example as a source of useful compounds. An existing multimode plate reader that supports this research is obsolete and requires replacement. (2) Microbiology. An increased focus on fungal biodiversity at RBG Kew has prompted equipping a laboratory in the Jodrell Laboratory specifically to support microbiological methods. One need of this laboratory is to record the growth curves of microorganisms. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ('RBG Kew') is setting this procurement to acquire durable, waterproof dataloggers designed to measure water table depth and which are suitable for tropical peatlands as part of our new Global Centre for Biodiversity and Climate (GCBC) project "Using biodiversity to support climate resilient livelihoods in intact tropical peatlands". The devices will provide long-term, accurate data critical for understanding water level fluctuations in these carbon-rich ecosystems, which are vulnerable to climate change and deforestation. Installation, data analysis, and cloud storage are excluded from this contract. The initiative aligns with RBG Kew's goals of advancing scientific research in biodiversity conservation and supporting sustainable practices, contributing to global policy efforts. The need for this technology arose from a study identifying peatlands as vulnerable ecosystems to recent increases in severe flooding and drought events that threaten peatland species and the livelihoods of people who depend on them. By acquiring these dataloggers, this project aims to generate data that will inform future ecosystem management of resilient useful species to climate change and conservation strategies in tropical peatlands.

The External Affairs & Engagement team is seeking to establish a small portfolio of high-quality catering suppliers capable of delivering exceptional service for high-profile events at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in west London. The requirement is to provide high-quality event catering at an affordable price in order to facilitate the growing popularity of private External Affairs and Engagement events. The team work with the Development & Strategic Events team (who sit in a separate Directorate) on the logistical planning of these events. The Development & Strategic Events team lead manages the relationship with catering suppliers.

The External Affairs & Engagement team is seeking to establish a small portfolio of high-quality catering suppliers capable of delivering exceptional service for high-profile events at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in west London. The requirement is to provide high-quality event catering at an affordable price in order to facilitate the growing popularity of private External Affairs and Engagement events. The team work with the Development & Strategic Events team (who sit in a separate Directorate) on the logistical planning of these events. The Development & Strategic Events team lead manages the relationship with catering suppliers.

RBG Kew intends to procure a Supplier to carry out an ongoing visitor survey at both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, to understand visitor profile and motivations and evaluate the visit experience in order to maintain a best-in-class experience. This includes survey review and management of the fieldwork, regular provision of data and KPI reporting, and bi-annual reporting to share key actionable insights and recommendations. The visitor survey is an existing and valuable resource for a wide range of teams across RBG Kew, helping the organisation to make data-driven decisions based on audience trends and visit feedback.

RBG Kew intends to procure a Supplier to carry out an ongoing visitor survey at both Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, to understand visitor profile and motivations and evaluate the visit experience in order to maintain a best-in-class experience. This includes survey review and management of the fieldwork, regular provision of data and KPI reporting, and bi-annual reporting to share key actionable insights and recommendations. The visitor survey is an existing and valuable resource for a wide range of teams across RBG Kew, helping the organisation to make data-driven decisions based on audience trends and visit feedback.

Summary and background The supply of a medium resolution Digitial Elevation Model (DEM)/Digital Terrrain Model (DTM) coverage is required to inform the landscape modelling of fire and carbon dynamics in Madagascar. The coverage required will extend across a section of the central highlands of Madagascar. The target area will be centered on the Massif d'Itremo Protected Area, southeast of the major city of Antsirabe. The DEM/DTM product is an input to a six-year UK government (Defra) major project examining a series of interventions to support and assist Madagascar-based institutions to more effectively manage protected areas, conserve Madagascar's unique endemic biodiversity, explore how terrestrial carbon can be retained and uplift local communities living near the protected areas through sustainable livelihood support. The requirements for this product are based on the needs of the objectives identified within the modelling approach and the outputs linked to the research activity within the project. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ('RBG Kew') intends to appoint a supplier for a period of up to 2 months with no option to extend. The supplier will provide sequencing services primarily for the Fungarium Sequencing project, but also for other projects using fungal whole genome sequencing approaches. The maximum possible value of work under this contract is £96,000 GBP excluding VAT. Services will be called off as needed and RBG Kew makes no commitment to any minimum level of spend. The Fungarium Sequencing project at RBG Kew aims at whole genome sequencing several thousands of fungi from a combination of fresh samples and mostly historical/ancient dried fungarium collections. Samples are mostly reference type specimens with very low DNA yield. Library preparation requires ancient DNA protocols. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) requires a Landscape Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Grade II* Registered Park and Garden of Wakehurst and the wider landscape and reserves. The plan will cover the past, present and future of the designed landscape at Wakehurst including the period since Kew took over management in 1965 to the present day. In 2018 Kew's strategic objective for Wakehurst was to be a 'world-leading botanic garden' which requires purpose and ambition beyond the local leisure market - an approach epitomised by the transformative and celebrated Millennium Seed Bank, constructed in 2000. To grow this vision further and make it reality, Kew have spent the last four years developing a robust masterplan for Wakehurst, which sets out a clear strategic path to grow the site into a world leading botanic garden with a focus on science and education. The aim is to transition the site from the local to the national stage becoming an exemplar attraction and world leader in horticultural research. In June 2010, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew commissioned a Landscape Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the estate at Wakehurst Place comprising of the historic gardens, parkland and outlying woodlands. The CMP provided extensive background documentation with regards to the attributes of significance. It studies the historic development of the estate, the importance of its tree collections, its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the nature reserves. It considers the impact of the estate's past owners and their management, assesses the sites current condition and draws conclusions of the site's overall significance. Since the plan was approved, significant changes in the future direction of Wakehurst as Kew's wild botanic garden and living laboratory research station have occurred. It is timely to review the existing plan and to update the detail to consider the future direction of Wakehurst. Some new historic research has recently been carried out and this detailed report will be available to help inform the new CMP.

In summer 2025 the experiential artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast will unveil a new interactive digital artwork at Kew Gardens, inspired by one of Kew's most magnificent trees. Opening to the public on Saturday 3 May, Of the Oak marks Kew's first-ever outdoor digital art commission. RBG Kew is looking to procure a Supplier to provide the staff team (experience ambassadors) who will encourage, explain and excite visitors about this new installation Of the Oak. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

The purpose of the Market Research Framework is to build beneficial longer-term relationships with a set of high quality, agile, cost-effective suppliers who will understand the RBG Kew brand in depth. The purpose of this Specification is to update our framework agreement (roster) of suitably skilled and qualified research suppliers to deliver a range of market research projects across various audience groups, including but not limited to members, paying visitors, donors/patrons, digital visitors, prospective visitors/customers and broader audiences. Market research supports RBG Kew’s marketing and communications, membership activities, public programmes, digital and visitor experience, fundraising/development and commercial activity. We are looking for suppliers with experience in areas such as customer experience research, brand research, product development, market testing, audience understanding, pricing analysis and segmentation within cultural attractions, leisure, tourism, hospitality or retail sectors. Suppliers must be proficient in both online and on-site methodologies, conduct qualitative and quantitative research and process large volumes of data.

The purpose of the Market Research Framework is to build beneficial longer-term relationships with a set of high quality, agile, cost-effective suppliers who will understand the RBG Kew brand in depth. The purpose of this Specification is to update our framework agreement (roster) of suitably skilled and qualified research suppliers to deliver a range of market research projects across various audience groups, including but not limited to members, paying visitors, donors/patrons, digital visitors, prospective visitors/customers and broader audiences. Market research supports RBG Kew's marketing and communications, membership activities, public programmes, digital and visitor experience, fundraising/development and commercial activity. We are looking for suppliers with experience in areas such as customer experience research, brand research, product development, market testing, audience understanding, pricing analysis and segmentation within cultural attractions, leisure, tourism, hospitality or retail sectors. Suppliers must be proficient in both online and on-site methodologies, conduct qualitative and quantitative research and process large volumes of data.

RBG Kew operates a company-paid health cash plan for employees of the commercial division of RBG Kew Enterprises Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of RBG Kew), headcount circa 190. Other RBG Kew employees have access to the plan on a voluntary, employee-paid basis. The existing contract is due to expire on 31 July 2025 and so we are undertaking a procurement process at this time to ensure continuation of the benefit for eligible staff, and optimal value for money. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

Employee Assistance Programme for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew looking for an agency or consultancy to develop a legacy marketing proposition using the outcomes of the brand extension project which is currently underway. The objective is to develop a proposition that uses RBG Kew's new brand cause positioning and framework to grow awareness of legacy giving at RBG Kew, inspire new audiences to enquire about leaving a legacy to RBG Kew in their Will and help engage our current enquirer and intends audience. The scope of this project is: ·Strategy and insight ·Proposition development ·Key messages and proof points ·Case studies Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

The scope of this contract is the delivery of report content and potentially other incidental pieces of written work for RBG Kew. The primary focus is the 2026 State of the World's Plants and Fungi report, produced in close collaboration with Kew's Director of Science, Senior Science Editor and Creative Services Studio. State of the World's Plants and Fungi report (to be published in June 2026) The State of the World's Plants and Fungi (SOTWPF) project provides a regular digest of current knowledge on plants and fungi, and the threats they face, through a cutting-edge report and associated symposium. Further information about the project and pdfs of all previous reports can be found here: https://www.kew.org/science/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi. The project is one of RBG Kew's Corporate Objectives and must therefore be delivered on time and to an extremely high quality. The 2026 report will include up to twelve chapters of text with associated illustrative images, infographics and captions. The total length of the report is aimed at around 60-80 pages, depending on the base content that comes through. Please see the 2023 report for an indication of chapter length. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.The period of the initial contract is intended to be two years and may be extended up to the end of 2029

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (‘RBG Kew’) intends to appoint a Supplier for a period of up to 36 months with the option to extend by up to a further 6, from contract commencement in 2025. The Supplier will provide sequencing services primarily for the Fungarium Sequencing project, but also for other projects using fungal whole genome sequencing approaches. The Fungarium Sequencing project at RBG Kew aims at whole genome sequencing several thousands of fungi from a combination of fresh samples and mostly historical/ancient dried fungarium collections. Samples are mostly reference type specimens with very low DNA yield. Library preparation requires ancient DNA protocols. The Supplier will provide high-throughput sequencing data either from DNA extracts or from library preparations supplied by RBG Kew, according to the sequencing requirements below:

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ('RBG Kew') intends to appoint a Supplier for a period of up to 36 months with the option to extend by up to a further 6, from contract commencement in 2025. The Supplier will provide sequencing services primarily for the Fungarium Sequencing project, but also for other projects using fungal whole genome sequencing approaches. The Fungarium Sequencing project at RBG Kew aims at whole genome sequencing several thousands of fungi from a combination of fresh samples and mostly historical/ancient dried fungarium collections. Samples are mostly reference type specimens with very low DNA yield. Library preparation requires ancient DNA protocols. The Supplier will provide high-throughput sequencing data either from DNA extracts or from library preparations supplied by RBG Kew, according to the sequencing requirements below: