STRATEGIC SUPPORT CONTRACT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY ACROSS THE WINCHESTER DISTRICT

Winchester City Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and published its Climate Neutrality Action Plan (CNAP) in January 2020. In this the Council committed to "build or invest in large scale renewable generation project(s), e.g. solar farms".

Winchester City Council is now undertaking a procurement exercise to appoint a consultant or strategic partner with appropriate experience to ensure the positive delivery of utility scale renewable energy generation scheme(s) across the district, including advice on engagement, site identification and business plan development. The consultant is required to advise and guide the council in the identification and development of renewable energy project(s), providing technical, legal, financial and engineering advice and additionally advising how the project will assist the council in attaining its Carbon Neutrality Targets.

The Council wishes to put engagement with the local community at the forefront of the project and so the design and delivery of an engagement and communications programme will be an essential first component of the support required.

Organisations are asked to tender for Phases 1 to 4 of a sequential package of work which is outlined below. It should be noted that there is a possibility that additional work may arise that is not included within the scopes of Phases 1 to 4. As a consequence, the daily rates submitted will be used to agree the fees for carrying out additional instructions (either on a fixed fee or time related basis, as appropriate). It is expected that organisations will demonstrate competency in taking renewable energy projects from inception to completion including evidencing a track record of successful development of renewable energy sites for the public sector.

The four phases included within the RFQ comprise:

Phase 1 - Community awareness raising and engagement

Phase 2 - Site Identification & Feasibility

Phase 3 - Design, Development of Business Plan and Engagement around preferred site(s)

Phase 4 -Planning pre-application and Engagement on preferred site(s)

It is recognised that those bidding many not have expertise in all areas and so a consortium approach is acceptable. Evidence of the approach and of the organisations' capability to deliver each work package is required. It is expected that work packages for Phases 1 to 4 will be delivered within 6 months and a timetable setting out delivery timescales should be included. Securing planning permission and design and build of the project are not included within this RFQ.