Ad hoc monitoring and Assessment of Radioactivity in the Environment

As part of its duties under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 (EPR 16) the Environment Agency undertakes routine radiological monitoring around nuclear licenced sites.

This framework is to supplement these programmes to include dose assessment capabilities and to deal with unforeseen events and incidents (such as having to assess impact of discharges on sea-washed turf, the polonium poisoning of Mr Litvinenko, or assessing the impacts of Fukushima on the UK).

Having call-off arrangements in place with a number of suitably qualified and experienced contractors allows the Environment Agency to react quickly and efficiently to events.

Requirements will be split into two Lots: Lot 1 Ad-hoc Monitoring of Radioactivity in the Environment The objectives of this Lot of the framework are to: Provide the Environment Agency with information (monitoring/analytical results) pertaining to issues arising from its inspection work, possible accidents and unforeseen events.

Provide the Environment Agency with technical support to help determine and develop methods or guidance for sampling and analysis of radioactivity in the environment, or in wastes, also to aid in specialist tasks (for example monitoring investigations) where required.

Provide monitoring support in the event of a radiation emergency.

Lot 2 Radiological Assessment The objectives of this Lot of the contract are to: Provide the Environment Agency with expertise in the provision of prospective radiological assessments and retrospective dose assessments for the public and wildlife.

Provide additional resources (people, expertise, equipment) to allow investigations of exposure of the public and wildlife from future discharges and past discharges, disposals, incidents and accidents involving radioactivity.

Bids will be accepted for either Lot 1 - Monitoring of Radioactivity or Lot 2 - Technical Radiological Assessment or a combined bids for both.

The contracting authority reserves the right not to award the same bidder a contract for both Lots if the bidder is unable to evidence they have the resources to undertake the services required for both Lots