Haskoning appointed as a lead contractor for new Defra framework

Created by the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) the framework will focus on scientific research, monitoring, and evidence generation across key environmental areas like food, farming, air quality, water, biodiversity, and waste.

As a lead contractor for Lot 5.2, we will undertake research and development activities relating to water quality, water resources, coastal erosion risk management, and drinking water quality. We have also been named sub-contractor for a section of the framework which focuses on evidence reviews in the same fields (Lot 5.1).

Haskoning has a strong history of project delivery for Defra, being involved in the department’s Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme and its ongoing work on historical coastal landfills, as well as leading flood defence asset management research and development and shoreline management planning for the Environment Agency.

Taking on complex climate challenges

Our involvement in the ES RDE framework will be led by Professor Natasha Barlow who brings a wealth of experience in academic research and innovation to blend with Haskoning’s technical expertise and commercial understanding.

Speaking of the announcement, Professor Barlow, who is now Technical Director for Coastal Resilience at Haskoning said: “This framework demonstrates Defra’s determination and commitment to climate resilience.

“As a company we have a strong reputation for tackling some of the most complex issues related to climate change, identifying where the research gaps lie, and embracing innovation. We are looking forward to helping the UK government understand key issues relating to water quality, resources and coastal erosion risk management, and supporting the development of actionable and appropriate solutions.”

Maximising results with streamlined partnerships

To deliver the framework projects, Haskoning will be working with an exceptional team of small and medium enterprises with specialist expertise, consisting of Risk and Policy Analysts, Eunomia, The Flood Hazard Research Centre at Middlesex University, Sayers and Partners, Rivelin Bridge, TJAY Consulting, Ric Eales Consulting and Enebio, as well as in-house experts in water and climate resilience. The team will also draw upon Haskoning’s 140 years of best practice from across the full spectrum of engineering specialisms.

Perfect score for social value

Social value was a key factor in the framework tender application with contractors expected to demonstrate their credentials in various themes such as tackling economic inequality, fighting climate change, championing equal opportunities, and contributing to improvements in physical and mental wellbeing. Haskoning achieved a perfect score of 100% in this section of the assessment.

Natasha continued: “Defra’s social value criteria align very closely with our long-standing commitment to enhancing society together. We have similarly high expectations of our partners, ensuring the whole team approaches this work with shared values and a vision that embraces opportunities to improve both lives and the environment at every stage.”

The framework, which goes live on 1st February, comprises of ten lots and represents a ceiling throughput of £192m+VAT investment in scientific research and analysis across the 8 years.

In addition to the water and flood focused element, we have also been included as a sub-contractor on a further lot on water and flood, and on another section within the framework, regarding air quality analysis and expert services.