ENVIRONMENT AGENCY has published a procurement opportunity for training for great crested newt (gcn) with an estimated value of value not disclosed. The submission deadline is See official notice, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-08, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

Training provided by an experienced great crested newt (GCN) ecologist required to enable our staff to have an understanding of GCN survey and help to enable them to be added as registered users for our organisational licence, which allows us to survey GCN. Understanding of GCN ecology and survey techniques and increased addition as registered persons to our organisational licence issued by Natural England. - Biodiversity teams have a responsibility to respond on permits that we issue and capital schemes being developed to ensure protected species are considered and where necessary mitigation provided on our own works if impact cannot be avoided This is part of our EA duties under regulation activities we are responsible for - There has been a high turnover of biodiversity staff in the last few years and loss of experienced officers and ecological experience. It is difficult to recruit ecologists into the team and therefore, new officers have no experience in GCN surveying. The training is necessary to create resilience again within teams and provide business support which is required

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is value not disclosed and the submission deadline is See official notice. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to businesses with relevant experience and qualifications. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of value not disclosed, and hold relevant professional certifications and insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, ENVIRONMENT AGENCY must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in professional services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a value not disclosed contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional certifications and insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within ENVIRONMENT AGENCY’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the See official notice submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031912-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before See official notice: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For professional services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. ENVIRONMENT AGENCY has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing ENVIRONMENT AGENCY’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before See official notice

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is See official notice. Competitive bids for professional services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, ENVIRONMENT AGENCY will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Find a Tender today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires ENVIRONMENT AGENCY to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The See official notice deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

How long does evaluation take?

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031912-2026. Always use the official source.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by ENVIRONMENT AGENCY or the UK government.