Diving Services Open Framework (FWA 1)
Framework Description
The Diving Services Open Framework (FWA 1) is a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) open framework for scientific divers and support to monitor subtidal reef features in Welsh Special Areas of Conservation. Its estimated value is £700,000, with no cap on supplier numbers. It runs to 1 May 2034 in phases of three, three and two years, reopening to new suppliers in 2029 and 2032. The tender notice is Find a Tender 2026/S 000-019926.
Context & Use Case
NRW uses it to meet monitoring duties for Habitats Directive Annex I reef features, which need divers qualified under the Scientific ACOP and HSE Diving at Work Regulations who also have ecological expertise. The eight lots cover specialist taxonomists, surveyors, dive supervision, survey coordination and data analysis. The notice states that work is awarded under the framework without further competition.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Sponge taxonomist Lot 2: Algal taxonomist Lot 3: Non invasive species taxonomist (UK non-native species) Lot 4: Experienced monitoring surveyor or diving marine biologist Lot 5: Assistant surveyor Lot 6: Diving supervisor Lot 7: Survey coordinator Lot 8: Data analyst
Lots
Lot 1 - Sponge taxonomist; Lot 2 - Algal taxonomist; Lot 3 - Non invasive species taxonomist; Lot 4 - Experienced monitoring surveyor/diving marine biologist; Lot 5 - Assistant surveyor; Lot 6 - Diving supervisor; Lot 7 - Survey coordinator; Lot 8 - Data Analyst
Who Can Apply
Suits scientific diving contractors, marine ecologists, specialist taxonomists, dive supervisors and marine data analysts, including SMEs, which the notice flags as particularly suitable. The first tender closed on 10 April 2026, so new suppliers can next join at the planned reopenings in 2029 and 2032.
Buyer Benefits
NRW gets specialist diving and taxonomic expertise for statutory monitoring in protected marine areas, where safety and scientific accuracy both matter. Scheduled reopenings let new specialists enter and keep the pool current, while separate role-based lots let NRW assemble the dive team each survey needs.
Next Steps
Firms that are not appointed should plan for the 2029 reopening: read notice 2026/S 000-019926 on Find a Tender for the lot descriptions, and register on the eTenderWales portal, where the tender documents were published. Prepare evidence of Scientific ACOP diving qualifications, taxonomic expertise and dive safety management. Appointed suppliers should keep their qualifications and availability current.
How Athena Can Help
Open frameworks reward suppliers who are ready when the window opens. Athena's open framework application support can plan your entry for the 2029 reopening, help you choose the right lots and prepare your dive safety and taxonomic evidence well ahead of the deadline.
If you are already appointed, our specialist bid writing can strengthen your evidence for when competition is re-run in 2029, and our environmental bid advice helps you find related marine monitoring tenders in Wales and beyond, with bid/no-bid support on each.
