CONTRACT NOTICE – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which documentation may be obtained

As in 1.1

1.3

Completed documents must be returned to:

As in 1.1

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Mapping Geo-system services in the Dyfi Catchment

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

Natural Resources Wales has a brief to improve and enhance the environment in Wales. As part of this long-term programme, it is intended to focus on three natural resource management trial areas located on the Dyfi, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Tawe catchments. This project relates specifically to data requirements for the Dyfi catchment trial and focuses on the ‘Geosystem’ (georesources’ and ‘geohazards’). It is the intention to characterise the availability of potential georesources (e.g building stone, sand & gravel etc.) as well as to identify potential geohazards (e.g. landslide susceptibility, heavy metal contamination etc.) within the Dyfi catchment.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=17593.

The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at http://www.sell2wales.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.

Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

The Dyfi has rich and varied geo-system services - this presents a number of issues but also opportunities. Landform and geo-system services form some of the key ES that need to be considered. Their inclusion demonstrates that geodiversity is a fundamental component of the ‘natural capital’ of Wales. An assessment of ‘Provisioning services’ requires an analysis of bedrock geology (building stone, minerals etc.), superficial geology (e.g. sand & gravel deposits), hydrology/hydrogeology (aquifers, source protection zones, reservoirs, abstractions etc.), topographical variation (potential for HEP, wind power etc.), and the distribution of active and disused quarries.

An analysis of ‘Regulating services’ should form a key component of the study, with special attention being paid to geo-hazards. These would include flood risk, landslip risk, radon distribution and the possible pollution risks posed by septic tanks and cess pits and current or former landfill sites. Historic mining activity in the Dyfi catchment poses a major hazard at the present-day with a remaining legacy of highly contaminated spoil tips, abandoned shafts and other mining infrastructure. The impacts caused by the transport and storage of heavy metal contaminants within the fluvial environment should be evaluated. An assessment of ‘Cultural services’ provision should consider the potential opportunities for increased employment and tourism as well as the distribution of sites with cultural and environmental designations made or protection afforded (i.e. SSSI and RIGS) and the possibilities for reducing the impacts of climate change with woodland management/surface water management features or habitat creation/recreation.

3 Conditions for Participation

3.1

Minimum standards and qualification required

4 Administrative Information

4.1

Type of Procedure

Single stage

4.2

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

DY2

4.3

Time Limits

4.5

Language or languages in which tenders or requests to participate can be drawn up

4.6

Tender Submission Postbox

5 Other Information

5.1

Additional Information

(WA Ref:17593)

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice