Framework for the Drilling and Testing of Boreholes in former mining areas

The Coal Authority (CA) is a non-departmental public body and partner organisation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) with a mission to make a better future for people and the environment in mining areas. The Coal Authority manages the effects of past coal mining, including subsidence damage claims which are not the responsibility of licensed coal mine operators. It deals with mine water pollution from both coal and metal mines and other mining legacy issues. Boreholes are used to improve our understanding of mine water. Our boreholes provide critical water level and quality monitoring data used to assess potential risks to aquifers and surface water bodies. These assessments form the basis of our mine water management strategies with abstraction from boreholes often being key to mine water level control. The Coal Authority requires a framework agreement for the provision of services relating to the construction and testing of boreholes in former mining areas. The services are anticipated to include borehole drilling, construction, testing, maintenance, cleaning, rehabilitation, technical support and associated works/services. We are still in the infancy of developing our procurement strategy for the delivery and management of this framework opportunity and are seeking to engage with the market early to gather market intelligence and understand the market conditions. Further information in relation to this opportunity is included in the attached document. Interested suppliers will be sent a Engagement Questionnaire that will contain a series of scoping questions, to further our understanding of market opportunities and challenges and assist us in building a effective and innovative procurement solution. The framework will be procured in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.