Scope
Description
The purpose and scope of the project is to undertake a study to determine the destruction efficiency (DE) and destruction and removal efficiency (DRE), for specified POPs and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, in relevant waste related materials, at two UK cement kilns that use waste as a fuel. This will be achieved by feeding representative waste materials containing high levels of the relevant POPs and PFAS into the process and measuring their presence in all products, residues, emissions and releases that are outputs of the process, without compromising cement clinker quality. The project will also quantify releases or emissions of chemicals indicative of sub-optimal or incomplete destruction of POPs and PFAS. The work will involve: • In year 1, preparing the sampling plan for testing in year 2. This will require identifying and obtaining suitable waste materials, containing sufficient POPs and PFAS, visiting participating cement kilns to understand processes and access points, and identifying suitable laboratories and analytical methods. This should be completed by the end of February 2026. • In year 2, undertaking testing, sampling and laboratory analysis for the first cement kiln. This should be completed, with an interim report submitted, by the end of February 2027. • In year 3, adapting the approach as needed from the previous year, and undertaking testing, sampling and laboratory analysis for the second cement kiln. This should be completed with a final report submitted by the end of February 2028.
Total value (estimated)
- £450,000 excluding VAT
- £540,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 29 October 2025 to 25 February 2028
- 2 years, 3 months, 28 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Please see Bidder Pack Part Two
Technical ability conditions of participation
Please see Bidder Pack Part Two
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
8 September 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
8 September 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
14 October 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical | E01: Organisation Experience, Capability and Resources - 20% E02: Understanding Project Objectives - 10% E03: Approach and Methodology - 30% E04: Proposed Project Team - 15% E05: Project... |
Quality | 70.00% |
| Commercial | Total Cost of Contract |
Price | 30.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
The business area will be sent the information required to raise the PO number via the SOP system.
Description of risks to contract performance
Contract break clauses Poor performance Extension for deliverables Increase in cost
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
A preliminary market engagement notice was not published due to the specification of the requirement being already established and clear. Therefore, there was no additional input from suppliers in the market to help with developing the requirement and approach to the procurement. The supplier base is already known within the market. There was also no publishing of a Planned procurement notice, due to their being less than 40 days between present day and the ITT needing to be going out to the potential suppliers. This is also a strategic and commercially sensitive project. This project also meets the Procurement Act 2023 - Schedule 2, Part 1, Section 22 - Research and Development Services (Research and Development Exemption).
Contracting authority
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@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: Defra Group Commercial is managing the procurement.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@defra.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster