Scope
Reference
PROC.0227
Description
Phase 1: 'As-Is' Analysis (5 days)
Undertake a detailed diagnostic review of the two major project procurement contract documents provided by Ofwat, including the Thames Tideway model. The analysis will map the existing contractual provisions against key metrics, including:
● Incentivisation of collaborative behaviours and innovation.
● Risk allocation and dispute resolution mechanisms.
● Competence of duty holders.
● Data management, performance monitoring, and data recovery requirements.
● Alignment with social value and wider public benefit objectives. ● Compliance with the new legislative landscape.
Phase 2: 'To-Be' Framework Definition (5 days)
Drawing on expertise and targeted research, define best-in-class 'to-be' procurement wording. This wording will be synthesised from current UK industry practice and thought leadership, focusing on achieving Ofwat's strategic goals for:
● Accountability & Productivity: Incorporating principles from Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) to align commercial interests and drive efficiency.
● Value for Money & Asset Performance: Defining mechanisms for establishing a 'digital data truth' through Common Data Environments (CDEs) and the 'golden thread' concept, enabling robust, whole-life asset performance monitoring.
● Social Value: Embedding the Procurement Act's shift to 'Most Advantageous Tender' to ensure competency and social value are a measurable and managed outcome.
● Legislative Compliance: Ensuring the framework is fully aligned with the specific requirements of the PA2023, ECCTA, and BSA.
Phase 3: Gap Analysis & Action Plan Formulation (20 days)
In the final phase, bring the findings together to provide Ofwat with a clear path forward.
● Conduct a systematic comparison of the 'as-is' analysis with the 'to-be' framework, producing a detailed gap analysis that highlights areas of misalignment and opportunity.
● From this, develop a pragmatic and prioritised set of recommended actionable terms for use with NEC4. This will provide Ofwat with a set of usable terms to bridge the gap between the current state and the desired future-ready model.
● These terms will be the subject of 2 x 1 day workshops facilitated to reflect Ofwat and industry consultation.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £40,500 excluding VAT
- £48,600 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
16 December 2025
Contract dates
- 22 December 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 May 2026
- 5 months, 10 days
Description of possible extension:
The contracting authority reserves the right to extend [or modify] the Agreement by contract duration and/or contract cap up to an additional 50% of the original value under the conditions set out in Regulations 74(1)(c) and 74(4)(b) (meaning of 'below-threshold modification') of the Procurement Act 2023.
Estimated extension end date provided but may not be taken up.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
Black Pear Advisory Ltd
The Old Barn Hatfield
Norton Worcester
WR5 2PZ
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@ofwat.gov.uk
Website: https://www.blackpearadvisory.com/
Region: UKG12 - Worcestershire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
The Water Services Regulation Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPCX-7855-VXBT
Ofwat, Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street
Birmingham
B5 4UA
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@ofwat.gov.uk
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - central government