Planning

Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

10 Dec 2025 at 16:14

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

10 Dec 2025 at 16:02

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in collaboration with the Welsh Government, is currently in the planning phase of a tender process for a project entitled "Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye". This initiative is categorised under research services and aims to investigate agricultural impact on water quality, with a particular focus on diffuse agricultural pollution in the River Wye. The project, located in the UK, is anticipated to begin in February or March 2026, lasting for 3 to 5 years, with an allocated budget of £1M. Interested parties are encouraged to engage with an upcoming joint supplier event on 17 December 2025. All expressions of interest should be submitted by 15 December 2025.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in agricultural practices, environmental research, and stakeholder engagement. It is particularly suitable for organisations with expertise in developing research methodologies, handling complex stakeholder groups, and delivering 'living labs' research in agricultural settings. SMEs and VCSEs are encouraged to participate, with consortia bids welcome, providing flexibility and collaborative opportunities for interested entities. Given the project's high-profile nature and potential impact on agricultural practices and policy, successful participation could significantly bolster a company's reputation and pave the way for future contracts within the public sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye

Notice Description

Defra and Welsh government are tendering for a new research project on water quality in the River Wye. In particular, we want to gather evidence on the impact of agriculture in this catchment and identify actions which will help us tackle the associated pollution. This project has the following aims: 1. Investigate the sources of the pollution and pressures affecting the river, in particular focussing on diffuse agricultural pollution 2. Study the impacts of changing farming practices and land management 3. Develop and test new ways to improve water quality 4. Understand best practice for undertaking research involving a complex stakeholder group The project was announced the project in March 2025, details of which can be seen here. Bidders should be able to demonstrate experience of all aspects of research planning, including developing effective methodology, stakeholder engagement, and project governance. Bidders must have experience in delivering 'living labs' research on farms. They should also have a good understanding of agricultural practices and water quality, with knowledge of this catchment and stakeholders being an advantage. This will be a high-profile programme of work, in which a variety of stakeholders (including ministers) take an active interest. Successful bidders will be expected to provide regular updates on emerging evidence and will work with officials to communicate interim findings. The project is to be contracted through an open tender competition. It is expected to commence in February/March 2026 and will last for approximately 3-5 years. The project is funded to cover PS1M and we welcome consortia bids. Supplier Engagement Event Please note that we will be holding a joint Defra and Welsh Government supplier event on 17 December 2025 at 2pm. More information will be provided in due course. If you or your organisation is interested in attending this event, please register your interest at: WyeJointResearch@defra.gov.uk All expression of Interest must reach Defra on or before Monday 15th December 2025 by 17:00pm

Planning Information

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO HOLD PRELIMINARY ENGAGEMENT Title: Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye Defra and Welsh government are tendering for a new research project on water quality in the River Wye. In particular, we want to gather evidence on the impact of agriculture in this catchment and identify actions which will help us tackle the associated pollution. This project has the following aims: 1. Investigate the sources of the pollution and pressures affecting the river, in particular focussing on diffuse agricultural pollution 2. Study the impacts of changing farming practices and land management 3. Develop and test new ways to improve water quality 4. Understand best practice for undertaking research involving a complex stakeholder group The project was announced the project in March 2025, details of which can be seen here. Bidders should be able to demonstrate experience of all aspects of research planning, including developing effective methodology, stakeholder engagement, and project governance. Bidders must have experience in delivering ‘living labs’ research on farms. They should also have a good understanding of agricultural practices and water quality, with knowledge of this catchment and stakeholders being an advantage. This will be a high-profile programme of work, in which a variety of stakeholders (including ministers) take an active interest. Successful bidders will be expected to provide regular updates on emerging evidence and will work with officials to communicate interim findings. The project is to be contracted through an open tender competition. It is expected to commence in February/March 2026 and will last for approximately 3-5 years. The project is funded to cover £1M and we welcome consortia bids. Supplier Engagement Event Please note that we will be holding a joint Defra and Welsh Government supplier event on 17 December 2025 at 2pm. More information will be provided in due course. If you or your organisation is interested in attending this event, please register your interest stating the name of who to invite, your Organisation and email address at: WyeJointResearch@defra.gov.uk All expression of Interest must reach Defra on or before Monday 15th December 2025 by 17:00pm

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f314
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081659-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
17 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
23 Mar 2026 - 24 Mar 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
DGC
Contact Email
procurement@defra.gov.uk
Contact Phone
03459335577

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
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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