SPU CO78-2026 - Provision of Scientific and Technical Support to NPWS for the Conservation, Restoration and Monitoring of Blanket Bogs

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This tender seeks scientific and technical support for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). The primary objective is to assist NPWS in developing and implementing national strategies for the conservation, restoration, management, and monitoring of blanket bog habitats in Ireland. The services will focus on designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) but may extend to other relevant sites.

The work will be overseen by a Grade II peatland wildlife inspector and will involve collaboration with a Grade III Blanket Bog Wildlife Inspector. The successful tenderer may also provide occasional support to other NPWS Directorates on blanket bog matters. The contract is for the provision of full-time scientific/technical support, delivered by one individual or a team.

Key activities and deliverables include:

• Scientific Advice and Technical Support:
• Providing scientific advice on blanket bog conservation and restoration.
• Offering expertise on the development and implementation of restoration programmes, including management guidelines and technical protocols.
• Contributing to the National Nature Restoration Plan and responses to infringement proceedings.
• Providing input for environmental assessments, including Appropriate Assessments (AA) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
• Restoration Planning, Monitoring and Site Assessments:
• Conducting site visits to support restoration strategy development, monitor restoration measures, and enhance understanding of conservation.
• Monitoring and reviewing ongoing conservation and restoration measures at peatland sites.
• Attending meetings and site-based reviews for restoration and monitoring activities.
• Provision for an appropriate number of field days for site assessments, monitoring, and advisory requirements, though extensive fieldwork is not anticipated.
• Monitoring, Research and Data Analysis:
• Assisting in the development of a multi-annual monitoring programme for Annex I blanket bog habitats (Codes 7130 and 7130*), incorporating field-based and remote-sensing methodologies, aligned with NPWS conservation status assessment methods and Article 17 reporting.
• Aiding in the development and refinement of methodologies for national-scale mapping of blanket bog habitats.
• Analysing spatial, ecological, and statistical datasets related to blanket bog conservation, restoration, and agricultural schemes.
• Supporting the development of conservation objectives, strategies, and evidence-based approaches for blanket bogs and associated habitats.
• Data Management, Reporting and GIS:
• Preparing technical reports, progress reports, action plans, and GIS mapping outputs.
• Generating, analysing, managing, and storing data according to Departmental protocols and standards.
• Supporting the completion and updating of Natura 2000 Standard Data Forms and Site-Specific Conservation Objectives (SSCOs) for blanket bog SACs.
• Contributing to national and international reporting obligations relevant to blanket bog habitats.
• Ensuring all data and metadata products are compatible with existing NPWS data management and GIS systems, adhering to NPWS Data Standards and INSPIRE compliance.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communications:
• Liaising with and assisting in the organisation of meetings involving relevant stakeholders, including project partners, public bodies, research institutions, and community groups.
• Supporting communication, outreach, and dissemination activities, including the preparation of guidance documents and publications.
• General Requirements:
• Undertaking other related duties as assigned by the Department within the scope of the contract.
• The contractor will provide the service up to an amount of 220 days in an 18-month period.
• Hardware and software will be provided by the successful tenderer.
• The contractor will work remotely, with occasional attendance at NPWS offices in Dublin 7 and limited field visits across Ireland.

3. Background & buyer context

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), is responsible for the national-level protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage and biodiversity. This procurement is driven by the need for specialist scientific and technical support to enhance the NPWS's capacity in managing Ireland's designated blanket bog network, which comprises 55 SACs and 73 NHAs. The services will directly support the Department's obligations under national and European nature conservation legislation, including the Habitats Directive, and contribute to the implementation of Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan and National Nature Restoration Plan. The estimated contract value of €115,000 (excl. VAT) over an 18-month term indicates a focused, specialist support role rather than a large-scale operational contract.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Tenderers must demonstrate compliance with the following minimum requirements:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability: €6.5M any one event.
• Professional Indemnity: €1M any one claim excluding defence cost.
• Employer's Liability: €13M any one event (where applicable). Evidence of cover or confirmation of ability to obtain cover may be requested prior to award.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified as a distinct criterion, but the tender requires demonstrable knowledge and experience in specific areas related to blanket bog ecology, conservation, restoration, monitoring, and data management.
• Personnel:
• Lead Ecologist (or equivalent key personnel):
• Degree in Botany, Ecology, or a related Environmental Science discipline at NFQ Level 8 or equivalent.
• Relevant postgraduate field-based ecological experience relating to blanket bog and associated habitats.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in: blanket bog vegetation and ecology; standard habitat survey techniques (e.g., NSUH); identification of flora of blanket bog, heath, and associated habitats; conservation evaluation and management; impact assessment; hydro-ecological functioning; restoration management techniques; sampling design for wetland habitat surveys; GIS-based habitat mapping; preparation/review of AA and NIS.
• Knowledge of published and grey literature on blanket bog impacts.
• Understanding of national and international nature conservation legal obligations.
• Proficiency in identification of Irish flora (higher plants and bryophytes).
• Excellent field survey skills (orienteering, map reading, field IT equipment).
• Demonstrable ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrable multivariate habitat and vegetation data analysis and management skills, particularly in GIS.
• Ability to explain scientific issues to non-scientific audiences.
• IT Skills (Microsoft Office, GIS applications).
• Access to surveying handheld devices (sub-meter accuracy) and necessary software.
• Knowledge of health and safety considerations relevant to blanket bog survey work.
• Physical fitness appropriate for survey requirements.
• Initiative, vision, strong administration skills.
• Full driving licence and use of a car.
• Fluency in English (written and oral).
• Geographic / facility constraints: The contractor must have access to a venue with adequate computer capacity and broadband connectivity. They are expected to work remotely, with occasional attendance at NPWS offices in Dublin 7.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Tender submissions will first be assessed against minimum requirements. Qualifying tenders will be evaluated and scored against the following award criteria to determine the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT):

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria