Description of the contract
NWREPP PROJECT EVALUATION TENDER
The North Wales Wildlife Trust wishes to appoint an independent, professional external evaluator to assess how the North Wales Resilient Ecosystems Pilot SMS Project (NWREPP) has performed against its forecast objectives and outputs; and to learn any lessons for future application. Overall, the successful evaluating organisation will be required to support the project in gathering evidence so that the evaluating organisation can produce an Evaluation Report at the end of the project.
The project is focused on Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS). INNS are one of the biggest threats to our biodiversity, estimated to cost £132,244,000 per annum to Wales in 2010; a figure which is likely to be far higher today.
The following are proposed, though please note details have potential to change with funder approval as the project progresses:
A) Evaluate 4 x Pilot Projects:
Evaluation of objective 1: eDNA Horizon scanning pilot
Working with stakeholders and Local Action Groups we will develop and trial a citizen science eDNA tool kit that will enable horizon scanning for new and novel INNS on rivers in North Wales. A key output of this objective is to enable all of the North Wales river catchments to be monitored annually for a minimum of 3 years beyond the completion of this project.
Evaluation of objective 2: Biosecurity Citizens Army: being developed to increase resilience to the spread of INNS across North Wales
Working with the WaREN 2 Project and Local Communities we will deliver an ambitious programme of training and engagement to begin to build a Biosecurity Citizens Army across North Wales. A key output of this objective is to have identified, trained and supported 4 community biosecurity champions to lead the initiatives within their local community.
Evaluation of objective 3: Conservation Grazing: Pilot the use of conservation grazing as a tool for the ongoing management of INNS
Working with Project Partners we will undertake a trial of selective, time bound, conservation grazing as a low-cost nature-based solution for the long-term management of INNS within river catchments in North Wales. A key output of this pilot is source further funding to expand this trial if positive results are found within the pilot period.
Evaluation of objective 4: Angling for Action Initiative
Working with Rivers Trusts and angling clubs in North Wales we will develop an initiative with the aim of increasing the membership of the local angling community and, in turn, increase the involvement and commitment of anglers to their watery environment. A key output of the initiative is to undertake awareness raising and volunteer events which will encourage more participation in the conservation of rivers, the management of INNS and biosecurity.
B) Evaluate the overall project:
This will include the two additional objectives:
Objective 5: Continue to undertake and expand the co-ordinated and sustainable management of INNS within the Dee catchment
Working with Rivers Trusts and angling clubs in North Wales we will develop an initiative with the aim of increasing the membership of the local angling community and, in turn, increase the involvement and commitment of anglers to their watery environment. A key output of the initiative is to undertake awareness raising and volunteer events which will encourage more participation in the conservation of rivers, the management of INNS and biosecurity.
Objective 6: Work with the WaREN 2 Project to provide support and assistance to other Local Action Groups within North Wales to assist them with co-ordinated and sustainable management of INNS.
The project will work with the WaREN 2 to project to identify and engage with LAGS in North Wales. We will work with WaREN 2 to identify the barriers to progress for the LAGS an also we will physically support at least 3 LAGS to remove those barriers, for example through training in or the management of INNS.
Evaluate the effectiveness of achieving all key objectives, outcomes and indicative targets.
Evaluate the effectiveness of delivering environmental & socio-economic benefits.
Evaluate the effectiveness of collaborative working.
Undertake periodic reviews and produce a final report.
The evaluator will be required to:
Assess the project’s delivery of aims, objectives, outcomes and indicators, and develop a methodology for the collation of quantitative and qualitative data that is achievable within the budget and the timeframe available (project completion: Jun 2023).
Brief staff, partners and volunteers on the delivery of evaluation using the proposed methodology.
Assist in the gathering of data by a range of methods as appropriate such as face to face meetings and interviews and/or running workshops, focus groups and similar with stakeholders.
Ensure that project staff are made aware at timely and regular intervals of the actions to be undertaken to gather the data required and provide advice on methodologies.
Link the project outcomes with the Welsh Government’s emerging key challenges, emerging national priority areas for action and goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 – Sustainable Management Scheme which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
We anticipate that the evaluation of each pilot project and the overall project to cost approximately 1/5th of the overall cost each, i.e. 4 x pilot projects would make up 4/5ths of the total cost. Please provide tenders in the region of £50,000 (excl. VAT).
The quotation documents must contain all the necessary information for the supplier to be identified including:
the address,
contact details,
Company Registration Number and
VAT Number, if applicable.
Selection Criteria include (but are not limited to):
Value for Money
Expertise, quality and experience with/successful delivery of similar projects
Ability to meet requirements within the timescale and budget
Competencies/training
Organisational values
Ethical Policy
Environmental Policy/Green credentials/Sustainability
Carbon Footprint
Organisational Accreditations e.g. ISO 9001, Investors in People
Business Location
Any restrictions/considerations on ability to share data/IP/reports
Please include statements with regard to the above Selection Criteria, and anything else you deem relevant, in your tender.
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 – Sustainable Management Scheme which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
Please refer to the following for more information:
2014-2020 WG RDP Competitive Procurement guidance: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-05/european-maritime-and-fisheries-fund-2014-to-2020-technical-guidance-notes_0.pdf
https://www.supply2govtenders.co.uk/the-ojeu-procurement-thresholds-2020-21/
|