Benthic diatom surveys of Lower Saxony surface waters in 2026

Summary

The contract covers the preparation and identification of benthic diatom samples collected from selected surface waters in Lower Saxony, and the assessment of river results using the PHYLIB method. The work includes checking the plausibility of results, preparing a report for each lot, and handing over the data and photographs. Data must be supplied in BOG format and as PHYLIB output files in Excel spreadsheets; reports must be in Word and PDF formats, and photographs in JPG format. The contract is divided into 10 lots, provisionally covering 7–93 monitoring sites per lot. Bidders may submit an offer for one, several or all lots, but must state the maximum number of monitoring sites they can process; this capacity limit will determine how many lots may be awarded to them. Bids must be submitted electronically through the contracting authority’s bidding tool by 30 October 2026 at 10:00. Alternative bids are not permitted, and each bidder may submit one main bid. Results and the final report must be delivered by 30 September 2027. Bidders must demonstrate experience with comparable work, provide details of staff with the required biology or other relevant professional qualifications, and submit the required information on insurance and financial capacity. The bid must also include the staff’s project experience, an execution plan and the required pricing documents. Evaluation weights are 40% for total price, 40% for staff project experience and 20% for the execution plan; the combined score for the latter two criteria must be at least 200 points.