Severe Weather Monitoring Contract

Tender description

Invitation to Tender: Reference C23-0445-1788 Contract Title: Severe Weather Monitoring Contract Background to Project The Severe Weather scheme is designed to help with conservation of waterbirds (ducks, geese, waders). During prolonged periods of severe weather waterbirds struggle to feed as the ground becomes hard, or snow covered, and they have less energy to deal with any disturbance. The scheme was designed to manage the disturbance caused by waterfowl shooting during prolonged periods of severe weather, but, increasingly, also has a role in minimising disturbance from other recreational activities such as bird ringing, walking, water-based recreation etc. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Section 2 (6) the relevant Secretary of State(s) has power to impose a temporary close season of waterbird shooting during 'prolonged severe weather'. The Severe Weather scheme provides an agreed process as to what qualifies as 'prolonged severe weather'. This scheme covers GB, with England and Wales being dealt with together as a single management unit, separately from Scotland. For more background information please see http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2894. This ITT is for the gathering and provision of severe weather data to partners to inform decisions on voluntary restraint of shooting and other disturbances and statutory suspensions of shooting between 7th November 2023 and 20th February 2024. Next Steps If interested in this project potential bidders are invited to download the following documents and complete the acceptance form of our terms and conditions attached to the invitation to tender letter (ITT). • Invitation to Tender letter (ITT) - Proforma Form to be completed • Annex A • Instructions for Tenderers (submission of bids) PS4a • JNCC General terms and conditions • JNCC Quality Assurance Policy • PS12 rates for contractors • Conflict of Interest Timetable • Date for return of tender: 30 August 2023 @ 16:00 hours • Proposed start date: 25 September 2023 • Proposed end date: 1 March 2024