Horizon scanning and pathways analysis for invasive non-native species for Scotland’s islands, hydrological and marine regions
Scottish GovernmentEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
21 September 2026
10 days remaining
Published
26 August 2026
Type
services
Overview
Work Package 1 - Horizon scanning for island, hydrological and marine regions This work package will assess non-native plants and animals (terrestrial, freshwater and marine) with potentially negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are likely to be introduced to Scotland’s island, river catchments and marine regions in the next ten years. Work package 2 - Pathways analysis for Scotland’s island, river catchments and marine regions.
Potential pathways of non-native species introduction into Scotland’s island, river catchments and marine regions should be compiled for a) established INNS in Scotland and b) INNS identified through the horizon scanning exercise in Work package 1. This work package should apply the pathway terminology and assessment methodology used in the previous Scottish pathways analysis (Roy & Carvalho, 2023). Pathways of introduction of INNS may operate both within Scotland and from further afield.
AI Analysis
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The contract is for a research and analysis project that will identify likely invasive non‑native species (INNS) for Scotland’s islands, river catchments and marine areas over the next ten years and map the pathways by which those species could arrive.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience in invasive species risk assessment or horizon‑scanning exercises
- Familiarity with the Scottish pathways analysis methodology (Roy & Carvalho, 2023) or equivalent
- Capability to produce technical reports and data visualisations
- Ability to work with biodiversity and ecosystem‑service data for terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments
- UK‑based organisation or partner with a UK presence (to meet public‑sector procurement rules)
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Conduct horizon scanning to identify non‑native plants and animals that could impact biodiversity and ecosystem services in Scotland’s islands, river catchments and marine regions within the next ten years
- Produce a ranked list of candidate INNS with evidence of likely negative impacts
- Compile a pathways analysis for (a) INNS already established in Scotland and (b) the newly identified INNS from the horizon‑scanning work
- Apply the pathway terminology and assessment methodology used in the 2023 Scottish pathways analysis (Roy & Carvalho)
- Deliver interim and final written reports, including maps or visualisations of high‑risk pathways
How to Read This Tender
- 1Read the two work packages as separate but linked phases – the output of Work Package 1 (species list) feeds directly into Work Package 2 (pathways analysis).
- 2Pay close attention to the reference to Roy & Carvalho (2023); the buyer expects you to adopt that exact methodology, so obtain the paper and cite it in your approach.
- 3Look for any implicit data‑handling or confidentiality clauses – biodiversity data often has sensitivity rules, so be ready to describe how you will store and share information securely.
- 4Check the evaluation criteria (usually in the full tender documents) for weighting of scientific rigour versus delivery schedule; tailor your proposal to show strength in the higher‑weighted area.
- 5Beware of hidden costs such as GIS licences or specialist taxonomic expertise – include them in your price breakdown to avoid later disqualification.
Tips for Small Businesses
- Partner with a university or research institute for specialist taxonomic input; this can strengthen your bid and spread the workload.
- Highlight any social‑value contributions, such as training local staff or involving community groups in data collection, as SMEs often score well on these criteria.
- If the contract value is above the SME threshold, consider forming a consortium with another small firm to share risk and demonstrate broader capability.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
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Buyer Profile
Scottish GovernmentKey Dates
Published
26 August 2026
Submission deadline
21 September 2026
Notice type
Website Contract Notice
Source
publiccontractsscotland
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