Scope
Description
An end-to-end service to be provided including waste sampling and consultancy (classification and assessment), environmental laboratory testing of excavation waste samples.
Project management which includes chemical scheduling and management of incoming data Sampling .
Includes Project co-ordinating, Sampling within England between Monday - Friday 08:00 - 17:00,
Laboratory Testing - Soil/Mixed Construction Suite, Asbestos Quantification, Asphalt / Bitumen Suite, Laboratory Disposal of asbestos impacted soil, speciated PCBS (EC7 and WHO12 congers), speciated VOC, Speciated SVOCs, PAH Source signature double ratio plot.
Waste Classification and assessment Reporting- Soil/subbase samples, asphalt samples.
SWUK Quarterly Sample returns and street manager support - Completion of SWUK Quarterly Sample returns uploading waste classification reports to street Manager on behalf of UU.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £502,267 excluding VAT
- £602,720.40 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 November 2025 to 31 December 2026
- 1 year, 1 month, 11 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71900000 - Laboratory services
Contract locations
- UKD - North West (England)
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Utilities
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
Street Works UK is a trade association that sets standards and protocols for utility street works, including excavating waste classification and environmental compliance. A regulatory change introduced by Street Works UK (SWUK) effective 1 October 2025 which replaces previous guidance (RPS 298 and 299) with a risk-based Material Classification Protocol requiring utility companies to conduct desk and site-specific risk assessments, segregate waste types, perform lab testing on at least 1% of excavations, and submit quarterly reports to ensure accurate and environmentally compliant excavation waste management. Required service supports relates to a new regulation that came into effect on 01/10/2025. Due to the short notice and immediate operational impact, we are unable to conduct a full regulated procurement process within the available time frame. Other water companies and excavation service providers affected by the SWUK regulation have similarly opted for direct awards under these circumstances.
To keep to the regulations which has been introduced RSK would support us in performing all of the necessary step by step process to keep within compliance of the regulation and ensure adherence.
The nature of the service is an end-to-end process, and currently, no existing framework or contract fully meets the operational and regulatory requirements. The urgency of the project, with a start date of 20/11/2025, further limits the feasibility of a traditional procurement route.
RSK, the preferred supplier, has demonstrated strong prior performance, relevant technical expertise, and holds the necessary accreditations and infrastructure to deliver the service in compliance with environmental and safety standards. Their familiarity with the regulatory landscape and operational context ensures minimal onboarding time and mitigates delivery risks. Case studies of similar work have also been provided to support their suitability.
Supplier
RSK ENVIRONMENT LIMITED
- Companies House: SC115530
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLHV-7839-NJMQ
65 Sussex Street
Glasgow
G41 1DX
United Kingdom
Email: publicsector@rsk.co.uk
Website: https://rskgroup.com/
Region: UKM82 - Glasgow City
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
UNITED UTILITIES WATER LIMITED
- Companies House: 02366678
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVVB-5589-BWHX
Haweswater House, Lingley Green Avenue
Great Sankey
WA5 3LP
United Kingdom
Region: UKD61 - Warrington
Organisation type: Private utility