Marine Recovery Fund: procurement approach for strategic compensatory measures
Published 17 December 2025
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
© Crown copyright 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-recovery-fund-procurement-approach-for-strategic-compensatory-measures/marine-recovery-fund-procurement-approach-for-strategic-compensatory-measures
To deliver strategic compensatory measures (SCMs) through the Marine Recovery Fund (MRF), Defra as the MRF Operator (MRFO) may procure SCMs. This will be done in line with established procurement policy and regulation, the Procurement Act 2023.
Procurement routes
Defra has a number of procurement routes available to deliver SCMs through the MRF.
Decisions on the appropriate route depend on factors such as access to land, market competitiveness and availability of pre-delivered measures from third parties. Decisions on the best route to procure a specific measure will be made on a measure-by-measure basis.
Procurement routes include:
- direct award by single tender action
- competition
- partnership agreement
Direct award by single tender action
Service contracts
The MRFO may enter into service contracts with strategic delivery partners. For example, those who have land access rights or experience in delivering SCMs at specific locations.
Goods contracts
The MRFO may enter into goods contracts with third party providers who have excess capacity of SCMs available to sell to the MRFO.
Design and build contracts
The MRFO may enter into design and build contracts with third party suppliers who have relevant experience. For example, designing and delivering offshore artificial nesting structures.
Competition
Mini competition through existing frameworks
There may be mini competitions through existing frameworks. Eligible delivery partners with site access rights can bid to deliver SCMs.
Competitive tender for service contracts
There may be competitive tenders for service contracts. Any potential delivery partners can bid for the opportunity, provided no land access right restriction is in place.
Partnership agreement
The MRFO may enter into multiple contracts with third parties through co-partnership or joint venture arrangements to jointly deliver SCMs at specific locations.
If you want to deliver measures
Contact Defra if you want to enter a contract with the MRF to:
- provide pre-delivered environmental measures
- deliver new environmental measures from the library of strategic compensatory measures
Email Defra at mrf@defra.gov.uk.
Competitive tender opportunities
Opportunities for competitive tender will be advertised on Find a Tender.