Research and development services and related consultancy services

Tender description

Knowledge and capability transfer from Waste Management Organisations (WMOs) that are at a more advanced programme stage than RWM is a fundamental activity to ensure effective delivery of the UK's Geological Disposal Facility. As well as access to proprietary information and researchers that have undertaken experimental work, RWM also has a need to access and utilise underground research laboratories (URLs) as part of our technical programme in a high strength rock facility. It is envisaged that RWM will need extensive access to this facility for a wide range of RWM stakeholders for verification and demonstration purposes. This procurement is for access to proprietary and published research in a High Strength Rock (HSR) geology which has similar characteristics to the UK's HSR geological environments. This information is required to better understand the characteristics that shall need to be considered in a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) where high strength rock geology is a factor. Where required, RWM may need advisory/consultancy access to persons involved with past or present research to take into account factors for its own GDF. This shall also include the facility to be able to undertake RWM's own research in a high strength rock facility. The form of the procurement will be undertaken by 2 contracts; RWM shall participate in a consortium (ASPO) where research including proprietary information shall be accessible. For the consideration RWM shall be able to contribute to the areas of focus for the research. This contract shall be for 5 years. For additional services, including access to researchers, advice, consultancy, commissioning bespoke RWM research and hosting stakeholders at the facility this shall be commissioned via a framework agreement. The term of this framework agreement shall also be 5 years. Redacted copies of both contracts are available by emailing grant.cawte@nda.gov.uk The financial contract value ranges cited in this notice (section II.1.7)) include an estimated provision subject to RWM commissioning additional services through the framework agreement.