Modelling of Ambient Air Quality (MAAQ)

Models are central to effective management of air quality. They provide the link between an understanding of the sources of air pollutants, their concentrations in air and the exposure of populations and ecosystems to the pollutants present in the ambient atmosphere.

Defra has an extensive programme of air quality science and research to support its evidence programme. Central to Defra's remit is the development of policy to improve the quality of our environment including air quality across the UK, reduce health impacts and to fully comply with pollutant thresholds identified in European Union (EU) ambient air quality directives.

Both air quality monitoring and modelling play important roles in gathering evidence to help Defra meet its policy objectives. Modelling compliments monitoring by providing a means of assessing concentrations at locations where measurements have not been made and of predicting future concentrations.

The objectives of the Modelling of Ambient Air Quality contract are to develop and apply air quality models and other methods of assessment to:

 Map ambient air pollutant concentrations across the UK for up to 13 pollutants including the pollutants of most concern in terms of health burdens and statutory compliance risks, which are nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.

 Carry out an annual assessment of compliance with air quality limit values, target values for EU directive reporting and national objectives.

 Support the investigation and development of policy initiatives.

This Notice confirms a Variation, as permitted within the Contract and Competed Tender to take up optional extension until 2019.