United Utilities is turning to suppliers in a market-testing exercise for possible future procurement of environmental surveys and consultancy services.
The water company is currently undertaking market research and would be interested in talking to suppliers - information obtained would then be used to help determine United Utilities overall approach and any future strategy in relation to procurement of the services.
Environmental surveys and consultancy services are required by United Utilities to identify habitats and species that may be impacted as a result of works carried out by the company as well as Environmental Impact and Drought Permit/ Order Assessments.
Ecology surveys are required to identify habitats and species over both terrestrial and aquatic systems including river, coastal and reservoirs that may be impacted as a result of works carried out by United Utilities.
The reports prepared are also necessary as information to support acquisition of environmental consents from statutory environmental consultees and planning authorities, as well as being compliant with environmental legislation prior to, during construction, operating works and owning land.
United Utilities is looking for external parties made up of experienced qualified ecologists, planners and landscape architects to provide surveys as required and subsequent reports.
The second aim is to identify external parties who are able to conduct Environmental Assessments (including EIA and SEA) as well as Drought Permit/ Order studies in order to prevent and mitigate potential impacts and produce reports available for use in the event of a drought permit/ order application.
At this stage this is not a call for competition - the pre- market engagement will help the utility to understand what is potentially on offer before committing to any formal procurement process.
United Utilities is expecting to go out to tender with a contract notice at the end of November. Deadline for suppliers to make an initial response to the market testing exercise is 25th October - click here to access the PIN.


Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.