Scope
Reference
C32133
Description
Research aims
One of DWI's core objectives is to protect and promote public confidence in the quality and safety of drinking water. Recent political, media and environmental pressures have highlighted the need for a robust evidence base to better understand what drives public perception in this space and what DWI's role should be in communicating risk and assurance.
This research will investigate the factors influencing consumer confidence in drinking water in England and Wales, and how DWI's communications strategy might evolve to effectively support its statutory and non-statutory responsibilities. It will help answer questions such as:
• What are the public's current views on drinking water quality?
• What drives or reduces trust in drinking water specifically, independent of broader industry issues?
• What role can or should DWI play in informing, reassuring and correcting public narratives?
Background
Surveys by Ofwat and
Contract 2. Consumer confidence in drinking water
Supplier
Contract value
- £51,675 excluding VAT
- £62,010 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
10 December 2025
Contract dates
- 11 December 2025 to 8 December 2026
- 11 months, 29 days
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
3 months - Due to unknown situation and/or other factors beyond the control of both parties; an option for an extension may be executed if it is necessary. Any extension must be agreed with the Authority and will be processed via a Contract Change Note
CPV classifications
- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKI - London
Key performance indicators
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Presentations and webinars | Presentation materials and delivery of key findings |
| Updates to Defra and the project steering group | Regular, and ad hoc, verbal and written updates summarising progress and challenges |
| Data handling | Secure, accessible and organised collecting and storage of data/information relating to the project |
| Consultation outputs | Notes and final report describing consultation process |
| Reports and knowledge exchange packs | Evidence review, Reports setting out methodology, final report and knowledge exchange packs |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Supplier
ICF Consulting Services Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMCX-8669-QQLD
1st Floor, 62 Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8HP
United Kingdom
Email: anita.wilson@icf.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Consumer confidence in drinking water
Contracting authority
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government