---
title: "Consumer confidence in drinking water"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS"
published: "2025-12-11"
---

# Consumer confidence in drinking water

Buyer: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081918-2025 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 11 Dec 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 3 Nov 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 26 Nov 2025 |
| Contract period | 11 Dec 2025 - 8 Dec 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £51,675 |
| Contracts value | £51,675 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1P 4DF |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | TLI London |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | ICF CONSULTING SERVICES |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

## Release History

- 11 Dec 2025 at 12:08 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081918-2025
- 27 Nov 2025 at 16:23 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077839-2025
- 7 Oct 2025 at 14:51 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062983-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081918-2025
  11th December 2025 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077839-2025
  27th November 2025 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062983-2025
  7th October 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.icf.com
- https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05a9cf.json.