Award

Consumer confidence in drinking water

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

11 Dec 2025 at 12:08

Award

27 Nov 2025 at 16:23

Tender

07 Oct 2025 at 14:51

Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), based in London, has concluded the procurement process for a contract titled "Consumer confidence in drinking water." This project falls under the services category, specifically research and development consultancy services, with a focus on enhancing the understanding of public perception regarding drinking water in England and Wales. The process has reached the award stage, with the contract awarded to ICF Consulting Services Limited. The contract period commences on 11 December 2025, extending for a year with an option for a three-month extension if necessary. This project was procured through an open competition below the threshold, allowing a broad range of participants. The procurement method employed an open process, facilitating a transparent and competitive environment.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses, particularly those involved in consultancy services focusing on public perception and communication strategies. It underscores an essential demand for expertise in understanding and enhancing consumer confidence. The nature of the project is ideally suited for large consultancies with a strong background in research and development. Engaging in such contracts can foster growth by providing access to the government sector and allowing businesses to demonstrate their capability in handling projects critical to public welfare. The project also aligns with interests in sustainability and social value, offering businesses a platform to showcase their commitment to these areas.

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Notice Title

Consumer confidence in drinking water

Notice Description

Research aims One of DWI's core objectives is to protect and promote public confidence in the quality and safety of drinking water. Recent political, media and environmental pressures have highlighted the need for a robust evidence base to better understand what drives public perception in this space and what DWI's role should be in communicating risk and assurance. This research will investigate the factors influencing consumer confidence in drinking water in England and Wales, and how DWI's communications strategy might evolve to effectively support its statutory and non-statutory responsibilities. It will help answer questions such as: * What are the public's current views on drinking water quality? * What drives or reduces trust in drinking water specifically, independent of broader industry issues? * What role can or should DWI play in informing, reassuring and correcting public narratives? Background Surveys by Ofwat and

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081918-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£51,675 Under £100K
Contracts Value
£51,675 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
3 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
26 Nov 20252 months ago
Contract Period
11 Dec 2025 - 8 Dec 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
DEFRA
Contact Email
procurement@defra.gov.uk
Contact Phone
03459 335577

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLI London

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ICF CONSULTING SERVICES

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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.

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