Market Exploration of the Land Use Choices Tool (LUCT)

"The Land Use Choices Tool (LUCT) is a software tool, developed by the Environment Agency with Defra family partners internally, aiming to support spatial planning and decision support for the rural environment. It generates scenarios to support land use change decisions at national to local level about suitable locations for habitat and woodland creation on agricultural land. It uses spatial targeting to maximise benefits for water quality, flood reduction, biodiversity & woodland, greenhouse gas reduction, carbon storage, and water resources, aiming to deliver Environment Act targets and better value for money. For a more comprehensive description of the tool, please refer to Annex A.

We are commissioning a market exploration study to:

The result of this work will provide evidence to support a business case (following the 5 Case Model (see Box A)) for the next stages of LUCT development. We will also use the work to secure better leverage in our traditional role supporting Defra on environmental evidence and delivery, while helping us make a case for more innovative approaches.

There are at least 3 potential development routes for government public bodies:

There may also be alternative routes led by other departments or organisations which we hope this research will explore.

It is anticipated that this will be a 3-month contract, commencing in September and concluding by the end of the calendar year.

Funding for the project is from the Government Office for Technology Transfer - Knowledge Asset Grant Fund programme - designed for UK public sector organisations to better exploit high-potential intangible assets. This funding is for project costs up to £25,000."

Additional information: To apply please respond to the attached Invitation to Quote and associated documents. Email your response to john.lancaster02@environment-agency.gov.uk. Tenders to be received no later than 23:59 on Friday 25th August 2023.