Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) Support Contract

Tender description

This contract is for the co-ordination and provision of technical support to all UK local authorities (LAs) so that they can carry out their statutory LAQM responsibilities, underpinned by the Environment Act 1995) accurately and consistently . Lot 1: Defra requires a supplier to provide LAQM Support for a period of 5 years between the 10 June 2025 to 9 June 2030 with a potential option for a 2 year extension. <br/>The supplier will provide support to LAs via a telephone and email helpdesk function and LAQM web services (LAQM Support Website, Air Quality Hub and LAQM Portal). The supplier will also maintain a quality-controlled database of LAQM information and assess LA statutory reports and action plans for England, London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (the authorities). Additional information: The supplier will be required to: <br/>• Provide expert advice and support to LAs and the Authorities on all matters relating to LAQM and Smoke Control Areas (SCAs);<br/>• Maintain calculation tools, templates and guidance for LAQM review and assessment and action planning, and deliver training webinars;<br/>• Manage the LAQM reminder warning process for overdue review and assessment reports and action plans within England excl. London, enabling automation and maintaining list of local government contact details;<br/>• Host, manage and maintain all LAQM webservices, as the main ways for LAs to submit LAQM information, record fulfilment of statutory obligations, share knowledge and access the authorities’ guidance;<br/>• Host, maintain and present LAQM and SCA database, including local authority managed diffusion tube and continuous monitoring data, Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and SCA information;<br/>• Appraise LA Review and Assessment and Action Planning reports for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London over the period of the Contract. <br/>• Make significant updates to the Emissions Factor Toolkit (EFT) annually to maintain consistency with Defra’s national AQ modelling<br/>• In addition, the supplier may be required to complete ad hoc tasks during the life of the contract including a significant update of the LAQM Technical Guidance, develop calculation tools and provide further assessment support to LAs . <br/><br/>The skills required are as follows: <br/>• Extensive expertise in air quality science, using monitoring equipment, interpreting data and air quality modelling to be able to advise local authorities effectively.<br/>• Extensive knowledge of local authorities and their requirements under LAQM Statutory Technical and Policy Guidance 2022, the Environment Act 1995 as amended by the Environment Act 2021, and the Clean Air Act.<br/>• Proficiency in IT and database management is required for maintaining the LAQM digital and data services as well for automating processes.<br/>• Advanced project management skills are needed to oversee various tasks, from maintain databases and websites to updating toolkits and managing reminder processes.