PFAS Risk Screening Project, Phase 4, Work Package 2-4

Concepts

• technical testing and analysis
• oecd
• pfas
• pfas risk screening project
• investigative work
• fourth phase
• overarching pfas risk screening project
• programme of work
• previous phases of the project
• potential risks

Location

Description

The overarching PFAS Risk Screening Project, now in its fourth phase, aims to assess and tackle the risks arising from a group of "forever chemicals" which are contaminating soil, groundwater and surface waters and pose a risk to human health. Polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad group of synthetic fluorinated organic chemicals which are extremely persistent in the environment. Some are bio-accumulative and toxic, and/or highly mobile. PFAS are a group of more than 4,700 man-made chemicals (OECD, 2018), the two most well-known of which are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Increasing awareness of the widespread presence of PFAS in environmental media has heightened regulatory concerns about their potential risks to human health and the environment. A recent evidence review by the EA has identified large data gaps in relation to the uses, sources, and mass emissions of PFAS in the UK. This report recommends further research and investigative work to evaluate the sources, both current and legacy, that are contributing to the widespread nature of this family of contaminants. To ensure effective allocation of resources and appropriate targeting of mitigation actions, we need to better understand the sources of PFAS, the pathways by which these chemicals can impact key receptors and the relative significance of these substances in environmental media. Previous phases of the project have led to the development of a high-level risk screening model. This multi-layered GIS model helps to identify potential problem zones across England using a multi-criteria analytical approach to evaluate risk. The model allocates scores based on respective weightings applied to key criteria - all designed around the source-pathway-receptor type strategy. Based on the outputs of the model, and our growing understanding of the nature and extent of the PFAS problem, under Phase 4 we intend to focus in on specific facilities and zones of concern to both validate the model and target resource. This programme of work (Phase 4) is a programme of work comprising six sub projects, which again aim to build on preceding stages, furthering our knowledge of these chemicals and the risks they pose, with increased focus on highlighted sites of concern. This notice outlines our intention and approach to procure the following three work packages through an open competition, with a sub lot for each package of work. WP2 - Lot 1. Development of Best Practice Guidance WP3 - Lot 2. Detailed Assessment of Potential PFAS Problem Sites: o In-depth desk studies of x10 highlighted problem sites o Site investigation of x1 prioritised site (Grosvenor Chemicals) WP4 - Lot 3. Economic Appraisal

CPV Codes

• 71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services

Indicators

• Contract is suitable for SMEs.
• Contract is suitable for VCOs.

Other Information

Thank you for your interest in tendering for this requirement, You will need to access the documents through Bravo Solutions portal. 1) The web address is https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk and click the link to register - Accept the terms and conditions and click 'continue' - Enter your correct business and user details - Note the username you chose and click 'Save' when complete - You will shortly receive an email with your unique password (please keep this secure). 2. Express an Interest in the tender - Login to the portal with the username/password - Click the 'PQQs / ITTs Open To All Suppliers' link. (These are Pre-Qualification Questionnaires or Invitations to Tender open to any registered supplier) - Click on the relevant PQQ/ ITT to access the content. - Click the 'Express Interest' button at the top of the page. - This will move the PQQ /ITT into your 'My PQQs/ My ITTs' page. (This is a secure area reserved for your projects only) -You can now access any attachments by clicking 'Buyer Attachments' in the 'PQQ/ ITT Details' box 3. Responding to the tender - Click 'My Response' under 'PQQ/ ITT Details', you can choose to 'Create Response' or to 'Decline to Respond' (please give a reason if declining) - You can now use the 'Messages' function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification - Note the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the PQQ/ ITT - There may be a mixture of online and offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help available) You must then submit your reply using the 'Submit Response' button at the top of the page. Please give yourself enough time to complete this before the deadline. If you require any further assistance please consult the online help, or contact the e-Tendering help desk. Please direct all questions and queries through the message function of the portal, including any clarification questions. This is to ensure no questions are missed and that all answers can be shared with all interested suppliers at the same time