Stratospheric Ozone and UV Radiation Monitoring Service

Defra is seeking to contract with supplier(s) to provide baseline measurements of stratospheric ozone and ultraviolet radiation across the United Kingdom. The successful supplier(s) will undertake daily column ozone observations and collect spectral UV-B measurements at three monitoring sites located in Manchester, Reading, and Lerwick. Key responsibilities include: conducting quality assurance and quality control procedures, performing calibration checks, comparing ozone and UV observations with satellite data and nearby ground-based observations, maintaining running 20-year climatology for each dataset, and submitting data to relevant national and international institutions. The service will support continuity of the UK's long-term ozone monitoring record, enable annual environmental reporting, and help fulfil the UK's obligations under the Vienna Convention. The contract is expected to start on 18 May 2027 and run for five years, with an estimated total value of up to £1.7 million excluding VAT. These details are indicative and subject to market engagement, affordability, internal approval, and applicable procurement requirements.