Environment, pollution and human health

Reducing uncertainty in models for environmental decision-making

Invitation To Tender
(Closing date: 8 January 2010)

Summary

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), invites tenders for the provision of consultancy services to undertake a scoping study on the subject of 'Reducing Uncertainty in Models for Environmental Decision-Making'.

NERC is seeking an individual or a small team from a higher education institute, research organisation or limited company to provide consultancy services over a period of approximately 6 months from February 2010. Activities to be undertaken will include liaison with a steering group and a consultative group, stakeholder consultation, meeting/workshop convening and facilitation, and report preparation.

The scoping study directly relates to planning the delivery of NERC strategy, with particular reference to Challenge 2 of the environment, pollution & human health theme action plan: "to improve knowledge of processes and models of the dynamics of transport and transformation of pollutants and pathogens in the environment."

Environment, pollution & human health theme action plan (244KB)

Please see the Invitation To Tender document below for full details.

Invitation To Tender (67KB)

Funding

Following a competitive selection process, the contract will be awarded up to the value of £80k. The study will start in February 2010 and be completed by 31 July 2010.

Guidance for applicants

Assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed on:

Fit to and understanding of requirements
Appropriateness of approach
Track Record of the applicant(s)
Cost effectiveness

Timetable
Invitation to tender published: 27 November 2009
Deadline for tenders: 8 January 2010
Successful applicants notified: January 2010
Contract expected to commence: February 2010
Contract completion date: 31 July 2010

Application format
The application will consist of two parts, a review proposal and a financial proposal. Please refer to the full document for guidance.

How to Submit
Applications must be submitted as email attachments to Blanche Coleman by 16:00 on Friday 8 January 2010.

Governance and Performance Management
Management, reporting and monitoring will be in line with NERC policy. NERC's standard terms and conditions for consultancy contracts will apply:

Shared Service Centre model terms and conditions (58KB)