Ballast Water Management System Consultancy: Lab Testing, Protocol Standardization, and International Approval Support

Work Description - NA

This tender, bid number GEM/2026/B/7700692, issued by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Department of Earth Sciences and Ministry of Earth Sciences, seeks comprehensive consultancy services for the "Hiring of Ballast Water Consultancy Service." The bidding period opens on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM and concludes on August 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The project encompasses a multi-faceted approach to establishing a robust framework for ballast water management, including the establishment of a proof-of-concept lab-scale evaluation testbed for basic approval, standardization of test protocols over a 7-month period, and commissioning of a Test Facility (TF) for IMO and USCG validation testing over 8 months. Furthermore, the scope involves the selection of in-line and offline testing equipment and standardization across 6 months, along with dedicated training for validation teams on both IMO and USCG guidelines, each spanning 4 months. Support for the preparation of Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and Quality Management System (QMS) documents is required for 9 months. The consultancy will also provide support for collaboration with national laboratories and test facilities in international locations including the UK, USA, and the Netherlands, over a 5-month duration. Crucially, guidance for IMO RO and USCG approval processes is expected over 8 months. The tender also includes provisions for travel expenses, specifically for 6 visits to Pamanji Village in Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, and for international travel.