Field Maintenance Services for a UK Meteorological and Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (COSMOS-UK)
The COSMOS-UK network was established by UKCEH in 2013, and continues to grow, a long-term network of soil moisture monitoring sites for the United Kingdom. The network provides "near-real time" soil moisture data for use in a variety of applications including farming, water resources, flood forecasting and land-surface
modelling. Each site is equipped with an instrument that uses cosmic rays to sense soil moisture over an area of about 12 hectares (about 30 acres). Data from the network have the potential to transform the way that we understand and model the natural environment.
COSMOS-UK network exploits a Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensor to measure soil moisture. The network also includes a range of research grade environmental sensors including: rain gauges; point soil moisture sensors; soil heat flux plate; soil temperature sensors; 4-component radiometer; relative humidity and air temperature sensors; barometric pressure; 3-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer; snow depth sensor; snow water equivalent and static camera. A data logger captures and forwards data in near-real time, using IP networking over cellular mobile or satellite communication links. The instrumentation is contained within 12 x 3 m fenced compounds, often on farmland or nature reserves. These monitoring sites are nearly all solar powered with associated battery packs, in remote locations. The new PPM contract will start in January 2025 and run for the next four years with an optional extension to the contract for one year. The PPM contract will require the below goods and services:
1. Annual Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) for up to 45 stations in 2025-2028 with optional 2029 extension in the COSMOS-UK network;
2. The associated management and supply of parts ready for installation during annual PPMs (including re-calibration, repair and replacement of sensors from third parties);
3. Minor maintenance of the compound (vegetation, post and wire fence);
4. Project management services to a recognised standard.
Automated Multi-Chemistry Discrete Analyser (AQ400), Annual SEAL Repair and Maintenance Agreement (Basic Contract) and PC Pack
Automated Multi-Chemistry Discrete Analyser (AQ400), Annual SEAL Repair and Maintenance Agreement (Basic Contract) and PC Pack
The acquisition of the SEAL AQ400 is justified as a direct award without seeking quotations from other suppliers in accordance with Schedule 5, paragraph 6(b) of the Procurement Act 2023. This provision allows for a direct award "due to an absence of competition for technical reasons, only a particular supplier can supply the goods, services or works required". The SEAL AQ400 provides specialised, proprietary wet chemistry analysis capabilities that are integral to our environmental monitoring and compliance operations. Its compatibility with our existing data systems and laboratory workflows, as well as its ability to meet stringent performance specifications, means that no reasonable alternative or substitute exists. Procuring a different analyser would risk data integrity, disrupt continuity of service, and incur disproportionate integration costs
This opportunity was for the provision of upgrades to the current High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) suite. The Procurement Team followed an open tender process for this planned purchase. Further details are available in the tender documents-Specification, Schedule 5.
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The open-path methane analyser, together with its mounting and integration as part of the eddy covariance (EC) flux station, is required to measure high frequency methane fluxes, alongside simultaneous measurements of water vapour and carbon dioxide gas concentrations. The equipment required is a research grade, state of the art methane analyser capable of operating at 20 Hz and delivering the high precision & high frequency measurements necessary for eddy covariance applications. At present there are no similar sensors on the market that can match the precision, stability and frequency performance required for this type of work.