---
title: "Water Regulator Reform"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-63cdaafa-623c-4c0d-b859-401ba32cac1a"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-63cdaafa-623c-4c0d-b859-401ba32cac1a"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-63cdaafa-623c-4c0d-b859-401ba32cac1a.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-63cdaafa-623c-4c0d-b859-401ba32cac1a.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS"
published: "2026-03-10"
---

# Water Regulator Reform

Buyer: DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-63cdaafa-623c-4c0d-b859-401ba32cac1a

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## Summary

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has completed the award stage of the procurement process for the "Water Regulator Reform" consultancy project. The contract involves providing support for the design of the Target Operating Model (TOM) for the new integrated water regulator for England, with an emphasis on timely decision-making and costed pathways for transition. Classified under 'General management consultancy services', the project was initiated as a selective tender process, specifically as a call-off from a framework agreement. The contract, valued at £998,250, commenced on February 9, 2026, with a completion date of April 24, 2026. The consultancy work is set to impact regions including the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and various international territories.

This consultancy project offers significant opportunities for firms specialising in strategic management and operational design, particularly those with expertise in regulatory frameworks and public sector innovation. McKinsey & Company, Inc. United Kingdom, identified as the supplier, highlights an avenue for large-scale businesses capable of navigating complex regulatory environments and contributing to substantial government reforms. Although not suitable for SMEs or VCSEs, this tender can drive business growth for organisations adept in facilitating high-level consultancy efforts, especially those prepared to engage in shaping new regulatory landscapes within the public sector.

## Notice

This engagement will provide targeted consultancy support to Defra to design the Target Operating Model (TOM) for the new integrated water regulator for England. The work will provide inputs to help inform timely Defra decision-making on the design of a coherent, implementable operating model. The engagement will support Defra in shaping early transition actions and a credible, costed pathway to standing up the new regulator (subject to passage of legislation), in readiness for the Price Review 2029.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3fea6e6e-4033-4399-a1ee-8bc9fbe68ec1 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Call-off from a framework agreement |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 10 Mar 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 9 Jan 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 9 Feb 2026 |
| Contract period | 9 Feb 2026 - 24 Apr 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £998,250 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £998,250 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | York |
| Postcode | YO1 7PX |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLE Yorkshire and The Humber |
| ITL 2 | TLE2 North Yorkshire |
| ITL 3 | TLE21 York |
| Local authority | York |
| Electoral ward | Guildhall |
| Westminster constituency | York Central |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | MCKINSEY & COMPANY, INC. UNITED KINGDOM |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

### Codes

- 79411000 - General management consultancy services

## Release History

- 10 Mar 2026 at 08:41 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3fea6e6e-4033-4399-a1ee-8bc9fbe68ec1

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3fea6e6e-4033-4399-a1ee-8bc9fbe68ec1
  10th March 2026 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder

## Provenance

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