Expert Support and Alternative Solutions 2025

The scope of the procurement is to provide access to a new Expert Support & Alternative Solutions Framework for all NWS Customers with a Waste Services Contract. The framework will include: - On-site support; - Technical and professional waste services; - Enabling activities; - Development and delivery of alternative solutions (including pilots); - Research & Development; - Container and Package Quality.

Organisations are invited to submit their ITT responses via NWS's Atamis system (https://atamis-2464.my.site.com/s/Welcome), which can be accessed against Record Ref C16721 'Expert Support and Alternative Solutions 2025' which is listed within the 'Find Opportunities' area on the portal.

As the diversion of LLW from LLWR Repository has become business as usual over the past 10 years and decommissioning programmes at customer sites have matured; the types of waste being managed through NWS frameworks has changed. NWS are seeing an increase in the number of challenging / problematic waste streams which require broader waste acceptance criteria and/or a range of specialist waste management advice/support. Customers often also require support higher up in the waste lifecycle / value chain, covering route development / optimisation, characterisation techniques and training of their internal resources. This trend is set to continue as further changes in decommissioning occur over the next decade.

It is also recognised that many NDA entities have only small numbers of resources with the knowledge and expertise needed to manage their existing and future waste arisings, as well as their historic wastes.

This ESAS framework will therefore support NWS mission and vision by providing the Client and its Customers with access to an experienced pool of expert resources and fit for purpose responsive solutions, which offer value for money, sustainability and social value.

Contractors will be required to have knowledge and understanding across the full radioactive waste management lifecycle and the ability to operate and execute work and provide support at any stage of the lifecycle on the Customer's, Contractor's, Client's sites or elsewhere.

Contractors must have the ability to deliver all aspects of the service. Such ability may include the use of appropriate subcontractors in accordance with the conditions of contract.

The framework will be for use by organisations that either currently hold, or may in future enter into, a Waste Services Contract with NWS. These organisations that either currently hold, or may in future enter into, a Waste Services Contract with NWS, include private sector bodies, plus public sector bodies that fall into one or more of the following categories (please see attachment)