Award

Ofwat Innovation Fund delivery partner 2025-30

WATER SERVICES REGULATION AUTHORITY (OFWAT)

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

15 May 2025 at 15:58

TenderUpdate

30 Sep 2024 at 10:09

Tender

24 Sep 2024 at 16:10

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process led by the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) focused on the Ofwat Innovation Fund delivery partner for the period 2025-2030 is now complete. This procurement was classified under the public utilities sector and covered a wide scope including the Core Innovation Fund, Water Efficiency Lab, and an Evaluation Programme. Conducted via an open procurement method, the process involved awarding three lots: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery, Implementation programme, and Evaluation. Key awards were made on 31st March 2025, with Nesta, Isle, and ICF Consulting Services Ltd securing the respective lots. The delivery locations span the UK regions of UKG31, UKI, and UKI32.

This tender presents significant opportunities for different types of businesses to contribute to essential utility services and innovation within the sector, specifically those specializing in public utility services and project evaluation. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like Nesta and Isle have successfully engaged, emphasizing the potential for businesses that can drive innovation and efficient project implementation. The different lots encourage diverse expertise: from core service delivery to evaluation programmes, which benefits enterprises capable of proposing quality-driven solutions at competitive prices. Overall, this procurement opens avenues not only for immediate project engagement but also for establishing long-term partnerships within Ofwat's initiatives.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Ofwat Innovation Fund delivery partner 2025-30

Notice Description

We are looking to appoint delivery partners to support Ofwat in delivering the Ofwat Innovation Fund and aspects of the Water Efficiency Fund in AMP 8 (the asset management planning period which runs from April 2025-March 2030). This is a continuation of the existing Innovation Fund which was established in 2020 and the introduction of a new Water Efficiency Fund (WEF) of which this Invitation to Tender is concerned with only two aspects: the Water Efficiency Lab (WEL) - an annual competition similar to the Innovation Fund but focused solely on water efficiency, and the evaluation of the Water Efficiency Campaign (WEC), which is the other part of the two components that make up the WEF. We are looking for delivery partner support in three distinct but linked areas: Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery Lot 2: Implementation programme Lot 3: Evaluation

Lot Information

Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery

Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery Lot 1 is broken down into the following services (detailed descriptions follow): 1. Water Breakthrough Challenge rounds 6-7 2. Water Discovery Challenge round 2 3. Water Efficiency Lab rounds 1-2 4. Collaborative Challenge programme 5. Monitoring of live projects and project closedown 6. Programme governance 7. Marketing and communications 8. Data collection to inform AMP 8 evaluation The overall budget range for the initial two-year contract for Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery is 4,400,000-5,800,000 The overall budget for 3-5 of the period will be determined towards the end of year 2 is 6,500,000-8,700,000

Renewal: 3 year extension following review in year 2

Lot 2: Implementation programme

The Innovation Fund aims to support the adoption and roll-out of innovative products, services and concepts. We expect most water companies will see the benefits of adopting successful innovations with no further support from Ofwat. However, throughout our engagement with companies in 2023/24 we have understood that it can take many years for companies to adopt an innovation and there have been suggestions that part of the fund should be targeted to help speed up implementation of new products, services and concepts. The Supplier and Ofwat will work closely together with the sector to determine what an effective implementation programme could look like. The programme will focus on accelerating the adoption and scaling of innovations awarded funding through the Ofwat Innovation Fund but also to support innovation implementation more generally across the sector. Co-design and delivery of new programme to support the acceleration of adoption and scaling of innovations across sector. Timetable to be agreed with the Supplier in line with the capacity of the sector to engage in design of the programme, but work expected to start in 2025. The overall budget range for the initial two-year contract for Lot 2: Implementation programme is 500,000-800,000 The possible budget in years 3-5 of extension period for Lot 2: Implementation programme is 800,000-1,100,000

Renewal: 3 years

Lot 3: Evaluation

Lot 3 is broken down into the following services 1. AMP 7 Evaluation: Delivery of an impact and Value for Money (VfM) evaluation programme before the end of 2027 2. Delivery and coordination of AMP 8 evaluation activity. The overall budget range for the initial two-year contract for Lot 3: Evaluation is 600,000-900,000 The overall value in years 3-5 of the period will be determined towards the end of year 2 and could be in the range of 800,000-1,100,000

Renewal: 3 year extension

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-049d6e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/021944-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

65 - Public utilities


CPV Codes

65000000 - Public utilities

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£18,400,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£35,500,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£18,400,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 May 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
20 Nov 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Mar 202510 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WATER SERVICES REGULATION AUTHORITY (OFWAT)
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@ofwat.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1216447534

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B5 4UA
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
TLG31 Birmingham, TLI London, TLI32 Westminster

Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Ladywood
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Ladywood

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
3
Supplier Names

ICF CONSULTING SERVICES

ISLE

NESTA

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-049d6e-2025-05-15T16:58:02+01:00",
    "date": "2025-05-15T16:58:02+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-049d6e",
    "description": "(MT Ref:234342)",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "PROC.0024",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Ofwat Innovation Fund delivery partner 2025-30",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "65000000",
            "description": "Public utilities"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "description": "We are looking to appoint delivery partners to support Ofwat in delivering the Ofwat Innovation Fund and aspects of the Water Efficiency Fund in AMP 8 (the asset management planning period which runs from April 2025-March 2030). This is a continuation of the existing Innovation Fund which was established in 2020 and the introduction of a new Water Efficiency Fund (WEF) of which this Invitation to Tender is concerned with only two aspects: the Water Efficiency Lab (WEL) - an annual competition similar to the Innovation Fund but focused solely on water efficiency, and the evaluation of the Water Efficiency Campaign (WEC), which is the other part of the two components that make up the WEF. We are looking for delivery partner support in three distinct but linked areas: Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery Lot 2: Implementation programme Lot 3: Evaluation",
        "value": {
            "amount": 18400000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "lotDetails": {
            "maximumLotsAwardedPerSupplier": 2
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery",
                "description": "Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery Lot 1 is broken down into the following services (detailed descriptions follow): 1. Water Breakthrough Challenge rounds 6-7 2. Water Discovery Challenge round 2 3. Water Efficiency Lab rounds 1-2 4. Collaborative Challenge programme 5. Monitoring of live projects and project closedown 6. Programme governance 7. Marketing and communications 8. Data collection to inform AMP 8 evaluation The overall budget range for the initial two-year contract for Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery is 4,400,000-5,800,000 The overall budget for 3-5 of the period will be determined towards the end of year 2 is 6,500,000-8,700,000",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "70"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "30"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "value": {
                    "amount": 14500000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 720
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "3 year extension following review in year 2"
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "status": "cancelled"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Lot 2: Implementation programme",
                "description": "The Innovation Fund aims to support the adoption and roll-out of innovative products, services and concepts. We expect most water companies will see the benefits of adopting successful innovations with no further support from Ofwat. However, throughout our engagement with companies in 2023/24 we have understood that it can take many years for companies to adopt an innovation and there have been suggestions that part of the fund should be targeted to help speed up implementation of new products, services and concepts. The Supplier and Ofwat will work closely together with the sector to determine what an effective implementation programme could look like. The programme will focus on accelerating the adoption and scaling of innovations awarded funding through the Ofwat Innovation Fund but also to support innovation implementation more generally across the sector. Co-design and delivery of new programme to support the acceleration of adoption and scaling of innovations across sector. Timetable to be agreed with the Supplier in line with the capacity of the sector to engage in design of the programme, but work expected to start in 2025. The overall budget range for the initial two-year contract for Lot 2: Implementation programme is 500,000-800,000 The possible budget in years 3-5 of extension period for Lot 2: Implementation programme is 800,000-1,100,000",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "70"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "30"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "value": {
                    "amount": 19000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 720
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "3 years"
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "status": "cancelled"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Lot 3: Evaluation",
                "description": "Lot 3 is broken down into the following services 1. AMP 7 Evaluation: Delivery of an impact and Value for Money (VfM) evaluation programme before the end of 2027 2. Delivery and coordination of AMP 8 evaluation activity. The overall budget range for the initial two-year contract for Lot 3: Evaluation is 600,000-900,000 The overall value in years 3-5 of the period will be determined towards the end of year 2 and could be in the range of 800,000-1,100,000",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "70"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "30"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "value": {
                    "amount": 2000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 720
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "3 year extension"
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "status": "cancelled"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "65000000",
                        "description": "Public utilities"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKG31"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI32"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG31"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI32"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "65000000",
                        "description": "Public utilities"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKI32"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG31"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI32"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG31"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "65000000",
                        "description": "Public utilities"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKG31"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI32"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG31"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI32"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            }
        ],
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://www.mytenders.co.uk/",
        "selectionCriteria": {
            "criteria": [
                {
                    "type": "suitability",
                    "description": "As outlined in the ITT",
                    "appliesTo": [
                        "supplier"
                    ]
                }
            ]
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "economic",
                "documentType": "economicSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "technical",
                "documentType": "technicalSelectionCriteria"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2024-11-20T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ],
            "bidValidityPeriod": {
                "durationInDays": 60
            }
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2024-11-20T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "bidOpening": {
            "date": "2024-11-20T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "hasRecurrence": false,
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "Correction - II.2.6) Estimated Value is GBP 1,900,000 (GBP 1.9m) Please note an error in the Estimated Value of lot 2. The this was originally stated as: II.2.6) Estimated value Value excluding VAT: GBP 19,000,000 GBP It should read GBP 1,900,000. (GBP 1.9m). Sorry for any confusion."
            }
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-8955",
            "name": "Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat)",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat)"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street",
                "locality": "Birmingham",
                "region": "UKG31",
                "postalCode": "B5 4UA",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1216447534",
                "email": "Procurement@ofwat.gov.uk",
                "url": "https://www.mytenders.co.uk/"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer",
                "centralPurchasingBody"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/",
                "buyerProfile": "https://www.mytenders.co.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA24607",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
                        "description": "Body governed by public law"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "id": "01",
                        "description": "General public services"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-103",
            "name": "Public Procurement Review Service",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Public Procurement Review Service"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Cabinet Office",
                "locality": "London",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 3450103503",
                "email": "publicprocurementreview@cabinetoffice.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-procurement-review-service-scope-and-remit"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-147985",
            "name": "Nesta",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Nesta"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "58 Victoria Embankment",
                "locality": "London",
                "region": "UK",
                "postalCode": "EC4Y0DS",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 7445088652"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-147986",
            "name": "Isle",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Isle"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "One Eleven, Edmund Street",
                "locality": "Birmingham",
                "region": "UK",
                "postalCode": "B3 2HJ",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 7742096537"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-147987",
            "name": "ICF Consulting Services Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "ICF Consulting Services Ltd"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "62 Threadneedle Street",
                "locality": "London",
                "region": "UK",
                "postalCode": "EC2R 8HP",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 2030964800"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "large"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-8955",
        "name": "Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat)"
    },
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "021944-2025-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "title": "Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery",
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-147985",
                    "name": "Nesta"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "021944-2025-2",
            "relatedLots": [
                "2"
            ],
            "title": "Lot 2: Implementation programme",
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-147986",
                    "name": "Isle"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "021944-2025-3",
            "relatedLots": [
                "3"
            ],
            "title": "Lot 3: Evaluation",
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-147987",
                    "name": "ICF Consulting Services Ltd"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "021944-2025-1",
            "awardID": "021944-2025-1",
            "title": "Lot 1: Core Innovation Fund and WEL delivery",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 14500000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2025-03-31T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "021944-2025-2",
            "awardID": "021944-2025-2",
            "title": "Lot 2: Implementation programme",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 1900000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2025-03-31T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        {
            "id": "021944-2025-3",
            "awardID": "021944-2025-3",
            "title": "Lot 3: Evaluation",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 2000000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2025-03-31T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
    ],
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "16",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 7
            },
            {
                "id": "21",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 7
            },
            {
                "id": "26",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 14
            },
            {
                "id": "17",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 3
            },
            {
                "id": "22",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 3
            },
            {
                "id": "27",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 8
            },
            {
                "id": "18",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 0
            },
            {
                "id": "23",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 0
            },
            {
                "id": "28",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 0
            },
            {
                "id": "19",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 7
            },
            {
                "id": "24",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 7
            },
            {
                "id": "29",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 14
            },
            {
                "id": "20",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 7
            },
            {
                "id": "25",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 7
            },
            {
                "id": "30",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 14
            }
        ]
    }
}