Tender

Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

15 Jan 2026 at 12:58

Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has commenced an open procedure for a research project titled "Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye." This initiative falls under the services category, specifically focusing on research services, and targets the UK region. The process is in the tender stage with a closing date for tender submissions set for 18th February 2026, while enquiries are to be made by 4th February 2026. The overall project value is estimated at £1,200,000, with a primary budget allocation of £1,000,000. The contract period is anticipated to span from 16th March 2026 to 17th April 2029, with a potential six-month extension option. The project aims to explore pollution sources, improve water quality, and manage land strategically within the River Wye catchment, involving stakeholder engagement using a 'living-labs' approach.

This procurement process presents significant opportunities for businesses engaged in research and development, particularly those experienced in environmental studies, land management, and stakeholder engagement. SMEs and VCSEs are encouraged to participate, enhancing the diversity of solutions and innovation. Companies with capabilities in agricultural pollution studies, land use planning, and water quality management will find this an excellent opportunity to contribute to an impactful environmental project. The open procurement method ensures a fair competition landscape, providing a platform for businesses to demonstrate their expertise and contribute to sustainable environmental outcomes in the River Wye region.

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Notice Title

Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye.

Notice Description

This opportunity is an Open Procedure advertised by Defra group Commercial on behalf of Defra. The Wye catchment covers two nations, and five counties, and contains a complex mix of land use, including agriculture, urban areas, and a wealth of protected sites. With this varied geography comes a complex stakeholder landscape, combining a range of values and interests. This also brings a range of pressures on the water environment of the catchment. Defra and the Welsh Government are seeking to deliver a research project to investigate sources of pollution and pressures affecting the Wye and develop and test ways to improve land management for water quality using a 'living-labs' approach to test solutions with local stakeholders. Additionally, the project will identify best practice approaches to undertaking research involving complex stakeholder groups. The aims of the research programme are to build on existing evidence and work alongside stakeholders to: * Investigate the sources of the pollution and pressures affecting the river, in particular focussing on agricultural pollution * Study the impacts of changing farming practices and land management in the catchment * Develop and test new ways to improve land management to improve water quality, which are suitable for the Wye catchment and will also be transferable to other catchments, using a 'living-labs' approach to test solutions * Examine what's driving wildlife decline and water flow - the movement and quantity of water which is crucial for habitats and species * Understand best practice for undertaking research involving a complex stakeholder group. This strategy aligns with other foundational initiatives such as the Environmental Improvement Plan and the Land Use Framework. For further information please visit Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025 - GOV.UK

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: There is an option of a 6-month extension to the project due to unforeseen circumstances.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0606a0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003483-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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
£1,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
18 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
16 Mar 2026 - 17 Apr 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

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

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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