Scope
Reference
CM3157
Description
Yorkshire Water intends to appoint a partner to provide Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) unit acquisition services in accordance with the Environment Act 2021.
The appointed partner will identify, secure, and acquire biodiversity units, including registration with DEFRA and Natural England. Services will include market engagement, habitat validation, reporting, and long-term compliance monitoring.
This contract will support Yorkshire Water's AMP8 capital programme by ensuring timely and cost-effective access to biodiversity units across its development portfolio.
Total value (estimated)
- £8,000,000 excluding VAT
- £8,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 December 2025 to 31 December 2029
- Possible extension to 31 December 2031
- 6 years, 17 days
Description of possible extension:
The contract may be extended subject to performance, regulatory requirements, and business need.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contract may include options to allow Yorkshire Water to purchase additional biodiversity units or related services during the contract term. These options may be exercised to meet changes in development demand, planning obligations, or regulatory requirements introduced under the Environment Act 2021.
Options may also include the ability to expand the scope of services to cover new habitat types, additional geographic areas, or extended monitoring and reporting activities where these remain consistent with the original contract objectives.
Yorkshire Water reserves the right to exercise these options based on business need, project timelines, or changes in legislation or policy guidance relating to Biodiversity Net Gain. Any use of options will remain within the overall framework and commercial terms of the awarded contract.
Main procurement category
Services
Additional procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 90700000 - Environmental services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Submission
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
4 November 2025, 6:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via SAP Ariba, Yorkshire Water's e-procurement portal.
https://s1-eu.ariba.com/Sourcing/Main/aw?awh=r&awssk=fy5dbBftDhoBNSzh&realm=YorkshireWater&dard=1#b0
Suppliers not yet registered must complete registration prior to submission. All communications, clarifications, and tender submissions must be made through the SAP Ariba portal.
If you have not been invited to this tender but wish to participate, please email fmandenergycommercialteam@yorkshirewater.co.uk
so that we can issue an invitation via SAP Ariba.
Tenders submitted by email or post will not be accepted. No electronic auction will be used.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
15 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Tenders will be evaluated on technical quality and capability, representing 50% of the total score. Quality assessment will be based on the responses to the Capability Questionnaire, covering the... |
Quality | 50% |
| Commercial | Commercial proposals will represent 50% of the total score. The evaluation will assess total cost of purchase, including habitat unit costs and associated fees. The lowest evaluated total cost will... |
Price | 50% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
Yorkshire Water will conduct this procurement using a Competitive Flexible Procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 The process will follow a single-stage structure combining a Selection Questionnaire (SQ) and Invitation to Tender (ITT), allowing suppliers to submit full participation responses at the same time. All documents, including evaluation criteria and supporting materials, will be made available via SAP Ariba.
Interested suppliers will submit combined SQ and ITT responses within the defined tender period. During this period, clarification questions may be raised and answered via the portal to ensure transparency and equal access to information.
Responses will be evaluated in accordance with published criteria, covering technical capability, experience in biodiversity offsetting and habitat unit brokerage, regulatory compliance, delivery methodology, and commercial value. Yorkshire Water may shortlist suppliers if necessary, based on quality and price thresholds.
Following initial evaluation, Yorkshire Water reserves the right to enter into negotiation or clarification with one or more tenderers to refine technical or commercial proposals, ensuring value for money and compliance with BNG regulations.
Revised submissions (if applicable) will be evaluated to identify the Most Advantageous Tender. The award decision will be made in accordance with Yorkshire Water's governance processes, and all participants will be notified of the outcome with feedback provided.
The successful supplier will enter into a service contract for the provision of Biodiversity Net Gain unit acquisition and related services. Contract commencement is anticipated in February 2026, following completion of the standstill period and final approvals.
Contracting authority
YORKSHIRE WATER SERVICES LIMITED
- Companies House: 02366682
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXGT-3622-WXBQ
Western House
Bradford
BD6 2SZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKE41 - Bradford
Organisation type: Private utility