Monitoring and characterisation of anchialine ecosystems in the Canary Islands

Summary

The tender is for a 33-month service to monitor and characterise anchialine ecosystems across the Canary Islands. The work includes monitoring ten sensor-equipped boreholes at Malpaís de La Corona, analysing hydrological, physicochemical and biological conditions, and reviewing and expanding the inventory of anchialine sites across the archipelago. The contractor must carry out at least six monitoring campaigns at each of the ten boreholes, characterise at least 30 sites, and obtain and process at least 200 valid genetic sequences. The scope also includes organising an international workshop on the integrative taxonomy of anchialine and stygobitic fauna, and delivering interim and final reports, databases, maps, photographs and other project data. The contract may run for up to 33 months. Partial reports are due in months 1, 11 and 23, with the final report due in month 33. The total estimated budget is €219,947.73, including 7% Canary Islands indirect tax (€205,558.63 excluding tax). Bids are evaluated on quality and price: quality improvements are worth up to 70 points and price up to 30 points. Improvements may include more frequent monitoring campaigns, up to 20 additional sampling sites, 250 or 300 genetic sequences, training or outreach activities, and enhancements to the first report. Bidders must meet the insurance and experience requirements and provide a team of at least three professionals with the specified qualifications. Bids must be submitted electronically; no provisional tender guarantee is required.