Technical services

Tender description

The supplier should provide expert technical advice and assessment of evidence to support the MMO in the fulfilment of their regulatory and advisory functions surrounding Marine Licensing for Nuclear New Builds (NNB). This will be via expert review of pre-application and application materials provided in support of the Development Consent Order (DCO) and Marine Licence Applications, as well as to inform the discharge of post consent requirements for which the MMO are the enforcing bodies for activities listed in a Deemed Marine Licence (DML). Over the period of the Framework MMO will be required to deliver this regulatory and advisory function across a programme consisting of a portfolio of individual Nuclear New Builds (NNB). The MMO anticipate receiving a range of material in support of pre-application and application and post consent discussions related to the consenting of NNBs. This may include but is not limited to technical option appraisal documents, Environmental Statement (ES) chapters, material to inform shadow Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and Marine Conservation Zone Assessments and accompanying technical documents. The technical expertise required will be specific to the needs of the proposed development and proposed location of the development. Expertise is expected to be required in relation, but not restricted, to the following aspects: Fish Biology and fisheries Benthic ecology Sedimentary and coastal processes Shellfisheries Underwater noise Dredge/disposal/sampling requirements Sediment contamination – including radiological material Commercial fisheries Marine chemistry and water quality Marine ornithology It is critical for MMO that the advice provided is consistent and timely. This invitation to tender will result in the establishment of a supplier framework from which a call-off contract will be awarded to an individual supplier for each future project. Additionally, where the selected supplier for a particular project is unable to advise on a specific subject matter, MMO will utilise the framework via a mini-competition to appoint an alternative supplier to provide the required advice through the consenting and licensing application process for NNBs. The framework will be in operation for a period of 4 years (13 July 2020 – 12 July 2024). The authority (at its discretion may extend the framework agreement for a further 2 years in 12 monthly increments). Due to the nature of the requirement, it is likely on-going advice will be required beyond the 4-year agreement.