Scope
Reference
ENVEBP00834R
Description
This project will commission a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of published literature to identify evidence-backed robust physio-chemical data sources for 20 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that could be used as inputs into a groundwater detailed quantitative risk assessment (DQRA) modelling software (e.g. ConSim and RTM).
PFAS are a broad group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals which are persistent in the environment. Some are bio-accumulative and toxic, and/or highly mobile. PFAS are used in a wide variety of consumer products and industrial applications because of their unique chemical and physical properties, including oil, water and stain repellence, temperature and chemical resistance, and surfactant properties.
Due to their widespread historical and current use, PFAS are prevalent within the water environment because of the direct and indirect pathways into groundwater and surface water from various applications and activities.
The need for a consistent approach to assessing the risk of PFAS compounds to groundwater receptors is growing substantially due to increasing year on year attention to PFAS as an emerging contaminant, from the public, media, regulators, and industry. It is becoming more vital that we, as regulators, and industry, are able to understand the risks associated with PFAS, and can provide robust and consistent regulation in this emerging field. Alongside the REA, there is a requirement to produce a summary table of the required physio-chemical parameters, the data sources, and the justification for the inclusion of the data for the 20 PFAS.
This REA and data summary table will be used to develop guidance on how to undertake a DQRA for PFAS contaminated groundwater.
Total value (estimated)
- £50,000 excluding VAT
- £60,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 October 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 5 months, 12 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73210000 - Research consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
3 October 2025, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
To apply for this opportunity you must submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) attached.
Your response must be sent to emma.mcanaw@environment-agency.gov.uk and annalise.hackett@environment-agency.gov.uk by 23:59 on Friday 3 October 2025. Please include "Final Submission PFAS DQRA" in the subject title.
If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to emma.mcanaw@environment-agency.gov.uk by 23:59 on Friday 19 September 2025. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Award criteria
TBC
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Documents
Associated tender documents
EA template RFQ 1_PFAS DQRA_final.docx
Research & Development Order Form November 2023_PFAS DQRA.docx
Contracting authority
Environment Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government