Provision of spatial investigation of Coalbed Methane production in Wales

Descriptions

Natural Resources Wales is looking to procure a short investigation into both the potential for Coalbed Methane (CBM) production in Wales, and the potential impact of the production on socio-economic, environmental and public health issues. The investigation should analyse contemporary qualitative and quantitative spatial information across economic, socio-economic, environmental and public health issues, thereby enabling policy makers to undertake an informed consideration of the potential impact of CBM production in Wales.Natural Resources Wales is looking for a supplier that has access to a robust spatial decision support tool, and the expertise to apply the tool to investigate the potential impacts of CBM development in Wales. The spatial decision support tool must be capable of providing visually intuitive representations of the potential CBM reserves in Wales, and the potential impact of production (via shape-files). The tool must also determine the impact of any assumptions or weightings utilised by its operator.The investigation should consider:1.Within the existing Welsh Petroleum Exploration and Development licensed areas, what potential exists to extract Coal Bed Methane from sites that are likely:a) to have minimum negative impact on the environment,b) to have positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the communities living nearby,c) to be located in areas where public health is not already under stress, andd) to be economically and technically more viable than other potential areas?2.For proposed developments that have existing planning consent and environmental permits for Coal Bed Methane exploratory activities (i.e. the location is already fixed), what would be the potential impact should the sites progress to production activities?The output of this study should be a series of shape-files that demonstrate the potential impact of CBM production in Wales. It will also be necessary to provide commentary on the findings of the investigations and any assumptions made.Questions1.Can you meet the delivery deadline of 14th September 2017?2.Can you provide details of your previous experience in delivering contracts of a similar technical nature?3.Can you provide information on the background, experience and responsibility of each of the team members you intend to use to carry out the work, demonstrating their suitability for the task?4.Can you provide evidence that demonstrates that the decision support tool that you intend to use has been subject to rigorous peer-review and/or has been applied successfully to Government policy formation?5.Can you provide evidence that the decision support tool is applicable to CBM developments?Instructions to suppliers:If you would like to be included in the tender stage of this process, please email - Richard.Griffiths@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk. Expressions of interest should be received by noon, Tuesday 1st August 2017. Your expression of interest should state your company name and address, contact details, including email address of lead contact and also a paragraph of what your company's core service is and how it fits with our requirements.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=69516.