Contract

Expert Panel on Natural Hazards

OFFICE FOR NUCLEAR REGULATION

F03: Contract award notice

Notice identifier: 2023/S 000-014956

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-03314e

Published 25 May 2023, 3:27pm

Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

OFFICE FOR NUCLEAR REGULATION

Building 4 Redgrave Court

BOOTLE

L207HS

Contact

Gary Owens

Email

gary.owens@onr.gov.uk

Telephone

+44 2030280795

Country

United Kingdom

Region code

UK - United Kingdom

Justification for not providing organisation identifier

Not on any register

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://www.onr.org.uk/

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

one.5) Main activity

Other activity

Nuclear Regulation

Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Expert Panel on Natural Hazards

Reference number

ONR/T849

two.1.2) Main CPV code

71356300 - Technical support services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

ONR requires external support to provide independent expert advice and technical reviews

of safety documentation to ensure that our regulatory assessments and decisions are well

informed and robust. A panel of experts has been convened; the Expert Panel on Natural

Hazards (comprised of the Seismic Hazards Sub-Panel and the Meteorological & Coastal

Flood Hazards Sub-Panel). The role of this panel is to provide advice to ONR staff

responsible for regulating in the external hazards area (across the various ONR programmes

of work, and not just nuclear new build).

ONR is looking to appoint members to the Expert Panel as follows:

Seismic Hazard Expert for Nuclear Facilities

Seismology Expert

Structural Geologist & Capable Faulting Expert

Coastal Flooding & Shoreline Interaction Expert

Sea Level Rise Expert

Meteorology Expert

Climate Impacts Expert

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)

Value excluding VAT: £1,590,000

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

A1 - Seismic Hazard Expert for Nuclear Facilities

Lot No

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

71356300 - Technical support services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

1.1 ONR is seeking a new panel member with expertise in seismic hazard assessment to take the lead in reviewing the seismic hazard characterisation of UK nuclear sites. The candidate should be a recognised expert in the field of seismic hazard and risk analysis, both within the UK and internationally, ideally through extensive and highly cited peer-reviewed publication in these areas, as well as through high-level engagements and other indicators of esteem. The candidate would be expected to be familiar with UK seismicity and seismic hazard; experience of seismic hazard assessments in the UK and in other regions including those of relatively low seismic activity would both be viewed as very positive attributes. 1.2 The candidate would ideally have worked on seismic hazard assessments for nuclear facilities and other major infrastructure as a consultant and/or reviewer. Experience of working in a regulatory context, in the UK and/or overseas, would also be an advantage; familiarity with ONR's guidelines for natural hazard assessments would be viewed as a positive attribute. Evidence of experience related to the SSHAC process as a framework for conducting seismic hazard assessments is essential. 1.3 The individual is expected to have a strong understanding of how seismic hazard analysis is utilised in practice as part of the broader civil engineering analysis as well as a demonstrable ability to understand the wider context as well as the technical detail. Expertise in cross over areas such as structural dynamics and structural reliability would be complementary to this role. 1.4 Although being able to work within a team is important for this role, the ability to impart review comments and guidance in a constructive manner supplemented where necessary by

substantive dialogue is important. Compromise and pragmatic judgment are needed and the ability to articulate issues in a way that focusses on the significance of their contribution to the seismic hazard analysis, of which they are part, rather than simply their academic merit, is essential. The individual will be expected to pool their knowledge and experience to the benefit of the whole panel.

1.5 Requests for advice from panel members, in line with the type of work defined in para. 1.8 above, will be sought by the Project Officer from time to time.

1.6 This role will comprise:

• The proposed contract term is three years, with the option of an extension for a further two

years. Bidders should be aware that this is not guaranteed and will be dependent on ONR's

requirements. The contract will operate on a limit of liability basis, assumed to be effective

from 01 July 2022.

• ONR will reimburse based on an appropriate day rate that will be agreed upon following

receipt of the applicant's formal proposal. Remuneration is based on completion of work

packages assigned by the ONR Project Officer.

• The level of effort required will vary, but it is anticipated that it will be up to a maximum of 30 days per year.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 70

Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 10

Price - Weighting: 20

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Seismic Hazard Expert for Nuclear Facilities

Lot No

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

71356300 - Technical support services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

1.1 ONR is seeking a new panel member with a strong seismological background and a good

understanding of the geophysical processes that underpin the occurrence of earthquakes in

an intraplate region like the UK. The individual will ideally have a good understanding of

seismic hazard and the relationship between the occurrence of earthquakes and how this

informs the practice of seismic hazard analysis. In particular, a good understanding of the

uncertainties surrounding earthquake occurrence in an environment like the UK is essential.

1.2 The candidate will have a strong background in statistical seismology and in

understanding the earthquake source mechanics, founded on analysis of experimental rock

physics and natural earthquake data, including the effect of small samples in an intraplate

area on the random and systematic errors in parameters for seismicity models, and on

characterisations of the epistemic uncertainties that arise from lack of knowledge of long term processes.

1.3 Evidence of experience related to the SSHAC process as a framework for conducting seismic hazard assessments is important. Experience of working in a regulatory context, in the UK and/or overseas, would also be an advantage; familiarity with ONR's guidelines for natural hazard assessments would be viewed as a positive attribute.

1.4 Although being able to work within a team is important for this role, the ability to impart review comments and guidance in a constructive manner supplemented where necessary by substantive dialogue is important. Compromise and pragmatic judgment are needed and the ability to articulate issues in a way that focusses on the significance of their contribution to the seismic hazard analysis, of which they are part, rather than simply their academic merit, is essential. The individual will be expected to pool their knowledge and experience to the benefit of the whole panel.

1.5 Requests for advice from panel members, in line with the type of work defined in para. 1.8

above, will be sought by the Project Officer from time to time.

• The proposed contract term is three years, with the option of an extension for a further two

years. Bidders should be aware that this is not guaranteed and will be dependent on ONR's

requirements. The contract will operate on a limit of liability basis, assumed to be effective

from 01 July 2022.

• ONR will reimburse based on an appropriate day rate that will be agreed upon following

receipt of the applicant's formal proposal. Remuneration is based on completion of work

packages assigned by the ONR Project Officer.

• The level of effort required will vary, but it is anticipated that it will be up to a maximum of 30 days per year.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 70

Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 10

Price - Weighting: 20

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

A3 - Structural Geologist & Capable Faulting Expert

Lot No

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

71356300 - Technical support services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

.1 ONR is seeking a panel member with a strong background in structural geology and a

good understanding of the geological processes associated with crustal deformation,

faulting and seismicity - both in the geological past and present day. The individual will need

specific experience in the application of field-based geological observations, geophysical

remote sensing and borehole techniques that are used to fully characterise the geology of a

site across a wide range of scales in order to assess the likelihood of capable (i.e., surface

rupturing) faulting hazards. The relevance of such knowledge to understanding geological

aspects of a PSHA study will also be needed. These skills will be enhanced by specific

expertise in fault weakening and reactivation processes, together with direct, research-level

experience in the application of radiometric dating techniques to determine past movement

histories along known geological faults located close to a site.

1.2 A thorough understanding of the geology and geological evolution of the British Isles and

surrounding offshore continental shelf regions will also be required for this role. An ability to

link these regional geological processes to our understanding of the uncertainties

surrounding earthquake occurrence in an intraplate setting such as the UK will also be

essential.

1.3 Evidence of experience related to the SSHAC process as a framework for conducting

seismic hazard assessments is important. Experience of working in a regulatory context, in

the UK and/or overseas, would also be an advantage; familiarity with ONR's guidelines for

natural hazard assessments would be viewed as a positive attribute.

1.4 Although being able to work within a team is important for this role, the ability to impart

review comments and guidance in a constructive manner supplemented where necessary by

substantive dialogue is important. Compromise and pragmatic judgment are needed and the

ability to articulate issues in a way that focusses on the significance of their contribution to

the seismic hazard analysis, of which they are part, rather than simply their academic merit,

is essential. The individual will be expected to pool their knowledge and experience to the

benefit of the whole panel.

1.5 Requests for advice from panel members, in line with the type of work defined in para. 1.8

above, will be sought by the Project Officer from time to time.

• The proposed contract term is three years, with the option of an extension for a further two

years. Bidders should be aware that this is not guaranteed and will be dependent on ONR's

requirements. The contract will operate on a limit of liability basis, assumed to be effective

from 01 July 2022.

• ONR will reimburse based on an appropriate day rate that will be agreed upon following

receipt of the applicant's formal proposal. Remuneration is based on completion of work

packages assigned by the ONR Project Officer.

• The level of effort required will vary, but it is anticipated that it will be up to a maximum of 30 days per year.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 70

Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 10

Price - Weighting: 20

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

A4 - Coastal Flooding & Shoreline Interaction Expert

Lot No

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

71356300 - Technical support services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

1.1 ONR is seeking an individual who is suitably qualified and experienced in assessment of

coastal flooding and shoreline interactions. Extreme flooding is a recognised and significant

hazard considered in nuclear safety cases and its importance has increased because of the

general learning from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant incident and because of

recent flooding events in the UK.

1.2 The individual will be required to provide technical advice and guidance to both the ONR

and other members of the Expert Panel on issues relating to coastal flooding, shoreline

interactions, coastal erosion and morphological changes, compound flooding events and the

impact of climate change on coastal flooding hazards in the UK. Knowledge of extreme

flooding events is required. Expertise in coastal flooding analysis is essential, including the

collection, processing, interpretation and modelling (via both numerical and physical

models) of relevant data sets. The individual should also have knowledge of protection

against coastal flooding hazards including the design of engineered defences to relevant

codes and standards. Understanding of the uncertainties surrounding the occurrence of

extreme coastal flooding hazards in the UK is essential. The individual should also be aware

of climate change and the associated impacts on extreme coastal flooding and erosion

events in the UK. Experience of other flooding mechanisms (pluvial and fluvial), including

modelling and analysis techniques, would be beneficial for this role.

1.3 The individual should be a recognised expert in the field of coastal flooding and shoreline

interactions, and risk analysis, both within the UK and internationally. The individual should

have an extensive and highly cited peer-reviewed record of publications in this and related

areas, as well as through high-level engagements and other indicators of esteem.

1.4 The individual would ideally have experience of working in a regulatory context, in the UK

and/or overseas. Familiarity with ONR's regulatory guidance for external hazards and

assessment of safety cases would be viewed as a positive attribute. Experience in

communication regarding coastal flooding hazards, the impacts of climate change on the

hazards, and risk to non-experts would also be beneficial, for example through the provision

of training courses or engagements as an expert witness.

1.5 The individual should have a demonstrable ability to be able to understand the wider

context as well as the technical detail. An appreciation of the challenges faced not only in

the characterisation of coastal flooding hazards but also in its use in subsequent analyses for

nuclear facilities would be of benefit to this role. The individual should be familiar with good

practice for coastal flooding and shoreline interactions including the UK Climate Projections

and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

1.6 Although being able to work within a team is an essential for this role, the ability to impart

review comments and guidance in a constructive manner supplemented where necessary by

substantive dialogue is important. Compromise and pragmatic judgment are needed and the ability to articulate issues in a way that focusses on the significance of their contribution to

the meteorological and coastal flood hazard analysis, of which they are part, rather than

simply their academic merit, is essential. As noted above, the individual will be expected to

pool their knowledge and experience to the benefit of the whole sub-panel.

1.7 Requests for advice from panel members, in line with the type of work defined in para. 1.8

above, will be sought by the Project Officer from time to time.

1.8 This role will comprise:

• The proposed contract term is three years, with the option of an extension for a further two

years. Bidders should be aware that this is not guaranteed and will be dependent on ONR's

requirements. The contract will operate on a limit of liability basis, assumed to be effective

from 01 July 2022.

• ONR will reimburse based on an appropriate day rate that will be agreed upon following

receipt of the applicant's formal proposal. Remuneration is based on completion of work

packages assigned by the ONR Project Officer.

• The level of effort required will vary, but it is anticipated that it will be up to a maximum of 30 days per year.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 70

Quality criterion - Name: Social Value / Weighting: 10

Price - Weighting: 20

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2.14) Additional information

In order to gain access to the tender documentation you will be required to register your

organisation details on the ONR Procurement Portal, free of charge, by accessing the

following link :

https://onr.delta-esourcing.com/

When prompted, please enter Access Code UXCMR7W934 to be linked directly to the

opportunity.

The tender reference for this specific opportunity is ONR/T849.

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

A5 - Sea Level Rise Expert

Lot No

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

71356300 - Technical support services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes

UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

1.1 ONR is seeking an individual with expertise in oceanography and the assessment of sealevel rise and storminess.

1.2 The individual will be required to provide technical advice and guidance to both the ONR

Page 15 to 25

and other members of the Expert Panel on issues related to: ocean physics and systems, sealevel rise and storminess (i.e. storm surges). The individual will need to understand and

articulate the potential implications of the aforementioned technical topics on coastal

flooding hazards in the UK including extreme events. The individual should understand

hazard analysis (including the collection, processing, interpretation and modelling of

relevant data sets) and climate change impacts on ocean systems. Understanding of the

uncertainties surrounding data sets, extreme sea levels, the impact of climate change on sea

level rise, and the occurrence of extreme sea levels in the UK is essential.

1.3 The individual should be a recognised expert in the field of oceanography and risk

analysis, both within the UK and internationally. The individual should have an extensive and

highly cited peer-reviewed record of publications in these and related areas, as well as

through high-level engagements and other indicators of esteem. Understanding of the latest

scientific research trends relevant to sea level rise is important, including those matters that

are associated with significant uncertainty for future sea level rise.

1.4 The individual would ideally have experience of working in a regulatory context, in the UK

and/or overseas. Familiarity with ONR's regulatory guidance for external hazards and

assessment of safety cases would be viewed as a positive attribute. Experience in

communication regarding oceanic physics and systems, the impacts of climate change on

those systems, and risk to non-experts would also be beneficial, for example through the

provision of training courses or engagements as an expert witness.

1.5 The individual should have a demonstrable ability to be able to understand the wider

context as well as the technical detail. An appreciation of the challenges faced not only in

the characterisation of sea-level rise and storminess but also in its contribution to coastal

flooding hazards that may impact nuclear facilities would be of benefit to this role. The

individual should be familiar with good practice including the UK Climate Projections and

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.