The Telecoms Association of the UK Water Industry has gone out to tender with a contract for support services with an estimated value of £1.2 million including VAT – the procurement process is being run by NI Water Procurement on behalf of TAUWI.

The water industry telecoms group is looking for provision of services covering meetings, spectrum management, telecoms support, governance, and administration. The appointed supplier will act as a technical, regulatory, administrative, and strategic partner to TAUWI—managing radio spectrum, supporting telecom operations, ensuring compliance/security, and coordinating industry collaboration.

Scope of services to be provided under the wide-ranging contract are:

Meetings & Governance

• Attend and support TAUWI and Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings (in-person and remote).
• Provide briefings to the Chair, agendas, minutes, logistics, and newsletters.
• Organise venues, communications, and member engagement.
• Publish a quarterly TAUWI newsletter summarising activities.

Spectrum Management (Core Function)

• Manage radio spectrum allocated by Ofcom for TAUWI members.
• Cover services such as:
• Frequency planning and allocation (PBR, telemetry, RMR, etc.).
• Licensing support and compliance.
• Interference investigation and resolution.
• National Frequency Plan and related frameworks.
• Support transition to digital radio systems and coordination with regulators (UK & international).
• Provide technical advice, site visits, and planning tools.

Telecommunications Support

• Advise members on telecom systems, licences, and emerging technologies.
• Provide updates on regulatory changes and opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of health & safety requirements for telecom sites.
• Arrange training/presentations on safe working practices.

Security & Data Protection

• Maintain an industry-wide strategy for cyber and telemetry security aligned with NCSC, Ofcom, and NIS Regulations.
• Provide a secure data repository with:
• Encryption (in transit & at rest)
• Access controls and MFA
• Ensure compliance with GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018.
• Maintain cyber certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus).

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain relationships with Ofcom, DEFRA, BIS, Water UK, and other bodies.
• Represent TAUWI on industry groups (e.g., BRIG, FWILF).
• Liaise with technology suppliers and industry forums.

Financial & Licence Administration

• Collect and manage licence fees and member contributions.
• Pay Ofcom fees and manage trust accounts.
• Provide financial reporting and advise on funding needs.
• Maintain transparent accounting and audit access.

Systems, Data & IT Requirements

Maintain software, modelling tools, and databases for spectrum planning and ensure:

• Data backup and disaster recovery
• Accurate records (licences, spectrum, infrastructure, etc.)
• Keep TAUWI website and systems up to date.

Windfarm & External Applications

• Process windfarm applications that may affect telecom systems.
• Notify impacted members and maintain a windfarm register.
• Offer optional enhanced interference analysis services.

Reporting Requirements - provide:

• Quarterly performance and activity reports
• Reports for TWG and Executive Committee
• Annual report for all member
• Failure to meet service levels can lead to contract termination.

Ancillary & Optional Services

• Respond to telecom consultations on behalf of TAUWI.
• Organise workshops and innovation activities.
• Support legal advice procurement when needed.
• Offer optional member-paid services (e.g., enhanced windfarm assessments).

Compliance & Quality

• Maintain:
• ISO 9001 (quality management)
• Cybersecurity certifications
• Ensure qualified key personnel (consultant, contract manager, admin).

Transition & Implementation

• Supplier must be fully operational by agreed start date.
• Provide resources, communication plans, and mobilisation activities.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2029 with a further possible extension option up to 30 November 2031.

Deadline for submission of enquiries about the tender is 12:00pm on 15 September 2026 and tender submission deadline is 12:00pm on 17 September 2026. Estimated contract award decision date is 10 November 2026.

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