Scope
Reference
P-39284
Description
The Environment Agency requires immediate specialist waste‑clearance services to mitigate a significant fire risk at the Kidlington waste site, as identified by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. A fire at this location would have serious consequences for public safety, including air‑quality impacts from smoke, disruption to critical infrastructure such as the A34 major highway, and risks to the local environment.
The contract covers the urgent clearance of approximately 21,000 tonnes of illegally deposited mixed waste at the site. The supplier will deliver a full end‑to‑end waste‑management service, including site preparation, waste characterisation, segregation, safe handling, loading, transport, and disposal at appropriately permitted facilities.
The contract value is estimated at this time, with an anticipated start date of 19 January 2026 and an estimated duration of 12-months with a 12‑month defect period.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £8,000,000 excluding VAT
- £9,600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 19 January 2026 to 31 December 2027
- Possible extension to 31 December 2028
- 2 years, 11 months, 13 days
Description of possible extension:
The initial contract term will follow the first Accepted Programme in accordance with the NEC ECC. The Authority may extend the contract where required to reflect any extensions to the programme.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 90500000 - Refuse and waste related services
Contract locations
- UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
Approximately 21,000 tonnes of mixed waste have been illegally deposited at the site. Independent advice from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) confirms a rapidly increasing fire risk, driven by the volume and composition of the waste, the limited ability to safely access and control a fire if one were to start, and the lack of viable options to contain or manage firewater.
A fire at this location would have a severe impact; including:
• Lead to the closure of the A34, a major transport corridor between the South coast and the Midlands
• Disrupt emergency services, local utilities and essential services
• Cause pollution to the River Cherwell, which would impact on public water abstraction downstream on the River Thames and surrounding environment
• Produce significant smoke affecting nearby communities
These serious risks require immediate intervention to protect public safety, the environment and critical infrastructure because of the increasing risk of spontaneous combustion of the waste and the inability for the OFRS to access the site and tackle any fire. Work needs to start immediately not only to remove the fire risk but also to avoid the upcoming bird nesting season which could impact on site clearance works.
The use of the extreme and unavoidable urgency provision is justified because:
• The situation could not reasonably have been foreseen, arising from an unexpected significant increase in the likelihood of spontaneous combustion at the site identified by OFRS in December.
• The urgency is not attributable to the contracting authority. EA does not clear illegal waste sites, such as this site at Kidlington, except in exceptional circumstances. The decision to clear this site was based on the exceptional circumstances created by the rapidly escalating fire and environmental risks .
• The time limits for any competitive procurement procedure cannot be met without creating unacceptable risk to people, the environment, and critical infrastructure.
Supplier
Acumen Waste Services Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPLQ-9621-JRQL
Acumen House, Headlands Lane
Knottingley
WF11 0LA
United Kingdom
Email: info@acumenwaste.co.uk
Region: UKE45 - Wakefield
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: nick.kynman@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procurement Lead
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: nick.kynman@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster