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planningFind a Tender · planning Update

Grand Union Canal Transfer Scheme - Moving Water Together

Buyer: AFFINITY WATER LIMITED →

BuyerAFFINITY WATER LIMITED
Statusplanning
DeadlineNot published
Value£425,000,000
Published16 Jul 2025

What is being bought

Affinity Water is the largest water-only supplier in the UK, serving over 3.8 million people across the southeast of England. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer service, Affinity Water is committed to securing water supplies for future generations while protecting the environment. Our work includes reducing water leakage, promoting water efficiency, and engaging with communities to ensure a reliable and sustainable water future. The Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme has been designated a project of national significance, forming part of Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme. Affinity Water is looking to utilise a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) through a Design-Build -Finance (DBF) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model or variations thereof (including Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM)). The scheme facilitates strategic water transfer from the Midlands to the Southeast, leveraging existing canal infrastructure alongside new assets, including water treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations, and environmental mitigation works. This notice seeks market engagement from suitably qualified parties capable of delivering a secure, sustainable, and value-oriented solution for customers aligned with long-term national water resilience objectives.

Delivery location

UKF, GB · UKG, GB · UKJ, GB

Categories

Construction work 45000000Water distribution and related services 65100000Banking and investment services 66100000

Lot details

Lot 1

No lot description published.

Statusplanning
Contract periodFrom 30 Sept 2028 to 1 Jul 2057

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Construction work, Water distribution and related services, Banking and investment servicesNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 45. The category anchor is Construction work (45000000); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 4517,0694 median · 30.3 average (5,635 of 17,069 with a bid count)3.8 average (6,227 of 17,069 with named award suppliers)Not published
Same buyer35 median · 5 average (1 of 3 with a bid count)Not publishedNot published
Delivery region: UKF9665 median · 82.4 average (248 of 966 with a bid count)7.7 average (267 of 966 with named award suppliers)Not published
Similar published value (0.5×–2×)2753 median · 14.7 average (3 of 275 with a bid count)1.7 average (3 of 275 with named award suppliers)Not published

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Price-outcome signal

Not enough comparable procedures currently publish both a GBP tender value and a usable lowest-valid-bid value to calculate a responsible price-reduction benchmark. Tenderline deliberately does not infer a saving from named award suppliers or from missing award values.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementNot published
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleNot published
Rationale classificationsNot published
Special regimeutilities
Covered byNot published
Submission policyNot published
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetValue not published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents1
Planning milestones1
MilestoneTypeDueStatus
Affinity Water Limited is issuing this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice as part of the early market consultation for the Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme (GUCT scheme), a nationally significant water infrastructure initiative. The southern section of this project is to be delivered under Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme, using a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) model. Affinity Water seeks to engage with market participants who may have the capability, experience, and interest in delivering the scheme through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model. This early market consultation is a Request for Information (RFI) to help shape the commercial, technical, and delivery strategy of the project and inform the forthcoming procurement process. The project includes (but is not limited to): • Water Treatment Works • Pumping stations • Transfer pipelines • Canal enhancements • Environmental and mitigation measures • Long-term operation and maintenance services (if DBFOM is adopted) Affinity Water is looking to appoint a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) through an open, fair, and transparent competitive procurement process. Affinity Water anticipates that the CAP will be responsible for the design, build, and financing of the scheme, with options to include operation and maintenance for a defined contract term of 25 years. This Market Engagement is focused on: • Gauging market capacity and capability • Understanding potential delivery models and risks • Informing procurement strategy (DBF, DBFM & DBFOM) • Identifying innovations and barriers to entry The scope of this RFI includes: • Technical feasibility and constructability insights • Financing models, including private sector appetite and structures • Operations and maintenance considerations (where applicable) • Commercial risk allocation and delivery timelines • Market constraints or innovations • Environmental or regulatory factors Affinity Water encourages responses from: • Infrastructure investors and financiers • Construction and engineering firms • Operations and maintenance specialists • Joint ventures or consortia Please email guctscheme@affinitywater.co.uk to register/participate in the market engagement process. This notice is not a call for competition, a contract notice, or a commitment to procure. Affinity Water reserves the right to alter or terminate the market engagement process at any time without notice. Affinity Water is not liable for any costs or expenses incurred by any party in responding to this RFI. Submission of a response does not guarantee inclusion in any future procurement or prequalification process. Affinity water reserves the right to enter into further rounds of pre-market engagement. All future procurement opportunities will be published through the Central Digital platform (CDP). Affinity Water will process your personal data, such as your name and contact details, in accordance with its obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal data will be used for the purposes of reviewing your questionnaire and contacting you for further information only. Any information you provide may be shared with our Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme commercial partners.engagement5 Sept 2025scheduled

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Documents & submission route

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-055f31
Latest release ID040510-2025
Latest release timestampWed Jul 16 2025 12:03:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLNot published
Tender statusplanning
Procurement methodNot published
Procurement method detailsNot published
Main procurement categoryworks
Above thresholdYes
Legal basis2023/54
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: endNot published
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadlineNot published
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsNot published
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender value£425,000,000
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source0
Awards in latest release0
Contracts in latest release0
Parties in latest release1

Notice history

DateEventReference
16 Jul 2025planningUpdate040510-2025
15 Jul 2025planning039878-2025

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
{
  "id": "040510-2025",
  "tag": [
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  ],
  "date": "2025-07-16T13:03:04+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-055f31",
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    ],
    "title": "Grand Union Canal Transfer Scheme - Moving Water Together",
    "value": {
      "amount": 425000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
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    },
    "status": "planning",
    "amendments": [
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    "legalBasis": {
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    "description": "Affinity Water is the largest water-only supplier in the UK, serving over 3.8 million people across the southeast of England. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer service, Affinity Water is committed to securing water supplies for future generations while protecting the environment. Our work includes reducing water leakage, promoting water efficiency, and engaging with communities to ensure a reliable and sustainable water future.\nThe Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme has been designated a project of national significance, forming part of Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme. Affinity Water is looking to utilise a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) through a Design-Build -Finance (DBF) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model or variations thereof (including Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM)). The scheme facilitates strategic water transfer from the Midlands to the Southeast, leveraging existing canal infrastructure alongside new assets, including water treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations, and environmental mitigation works. This notice seeks market engagement from suitably qualified parties capable of delivering a secure, sustainable, and value-oriented solution for customers aligned with long-term national water resilience objectives.",
    "specialRegime": [
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    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works",
    "additionalProcurementCategories": [
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  "parties": [
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      "name": "AFFINITY WATER LIMITED",
      "roles": [
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        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "Hatfield",
        "postalCode": "AL10 9EZ",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Tamblin Way"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://guctransfer.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "privateUtility",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Private utility"
          }
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      "identifier": {
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        "scheme": "GB-COH"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "Guctscheme@affinitywater.co.uk"
      },
      "additionalIdentifiers": [
        {
          "id": "PMRZ-1695-VBDV",
          "scheme": "GB-PPON"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "040510-2025",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040510-2025",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2025-07-16T13:03:04+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2025-09-05T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Affinity Water Limited is issuing this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice as part of the early market consultation for the Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme (GUCT scheme), a nationally significant water infrastructure initiative. The southern section of this project is to be delivered under Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme, using a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) model.\nAffinity Water seeks to engage with market participants who may have the capability, experience, and interest in delivering the scheme through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model. This early market consultation is a Request for Information (RFI) to help shape the commercial, technical, and delivery strategy of the project and inform the forthcoming procurement process.\nThe project includes (but is not limited to):\n•\tWater Treatment Works\n•\tPumping stations\n•\tTransfer pipelines\n•\tCanal enhancements\n•\tEnvironmental and mitigation measures\n•\tLong-term operation and maintenance services (if DBFOM is adopted)\nAffinity Water is looking to appoint a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) through an open, fair, and transparent competitive procurement process. Affinity Water anticipates that the CAP will be responsible for the design, build, and financing of the scheme, with options to include operation and maintenance for a defined contract term of 25 years.\nThis Market Engagement is focused on:\n•\tGauging market capacity and capability\n•\tUnderstanding potential delivery models and risks\n•\tInforming procurement strategy (DBF, DBFM & DBFOM)\n•\tIdentifying innovations and barriers to entry\nThe scope of this RFI includes:\n•\tTechnical feasibility and constructability insights\n•\tFinancing models, including private sector appetite and structures\n•\tOperations and maintenance considerations (where applicable)\n•\tCommercial risk allocation and delivery timelines\n•\tMarket constraints or innovations\n•\tEnvironmental or regulatory factors\nAffinity Water encourages responses from:\n•\tInfrastructure investors and financiers\n•\tConstruction and engineering firms\n•\tOperations and maintenance specialists\n•\tJoint ventures or consortia\nPlease email guctscheme@affinitywater.co.uk  to register/participate in the market engagement process.\nThis notice is not a call for competition, a contract notice, or a commitment to procure.\nAffinity Water reserves the right to alter or terminate the market engagement process at any time without notice.\nAffinity Water is not liable for any costs or expenses incurred by any party in responding to this RFI.\nSubmission of a response does not guarantee inclusion in any future procurement or prequalification process.\nAffinity water reserves the right to enter into further rounds of pre-market engagement.\nAll future procurement opportunities will be published through the Central Digital platform (CDP).\nAffinity Water will process your personal data, such as your name and contact details, in accordance with its obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal data will be used for the purposes of reviewing your questionnaire and contacting you for further information only. Any information you provide may be shared with our Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme commercial partners."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (2 releases)
16 Jul 2025 · 040510-2025 · planningUpdate
{
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  "date": "2025-07-16T13:03:04+01:00",
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            "description": "Water distribution and related services"
          },
          {
            "id": "66100000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Banking and investment services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Grand Union Canal Transfer Scheme - Moving Water Together",
    "value": {
      "amount": 425000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 510000000
    },
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        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Tamblin Way"
      },
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    "documents": [
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        "id": "040510-2025",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040510-2025",
        "format": "text/html",
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        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2025-07-16T13:03:04+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2025-09-05T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Affinity Water Limited is issuing this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice as part of the early market consultation for the Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme (GUCT scheme), a nationally significant water infrastructure initiative. The southern section of this project is to be delivered under Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme, using a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) model.\nAffinity Water seeks to engage with market participants who may have the capability, experience, and interest in delivering the scheme through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model. This early market consultation is a Request for Information (RFI) to help shape the commercial, technical, and delivery strategy of the project and inform the forthcoming procurement process.\nThe project includes (but is not limited to):\n•\tWater Treatment Works\n•\tPumping stations\n•\tTransfer pipelines\n•\tCanal enhancements\n•\tEnvironmental and mitigation measures\n•\tLong-term operation and maintenance services (if DBFOM is adopted)\nAffinity Water is looking to appoint a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) through an open, fair, and transparent competitive procurement process. Affinity Water anticipates that the CAP will be responsible for the design, build, and financing of the scheme, with options to include operation and maintenance for a defined contract term of 25 years.\nThis Market Engagement is focused on:\n•\tGauging market capacity and capability\n•\tUnderstanding potential delivery models and risks\n•\tInforming procurement strategy (DBF, DBFM & DBFOM)\n•\tIdentifying innovations and barriers to entry\nThe scope of this RFI includes:\n•\tTechnical feasibility and constructability insights\n•\tFinancing models, including private sector appetite and structures\n•\tOperations and maintenance considerations (where applicable)\n•\tCommercial risk allocation and delivery timelines\n•\tMarket constraints or innovations\n•\tEnvironmental or regulatory factors\nAffinity Water encourages responses from:\n•\tInfrastructure investors and financiers\n•\tConstruction and engineering firms\n•\tOperations and maintenance specialists\n•\tJoint ventures or consortia\nPlease email guctscheme@affinitywater.co.uk  to register/participate in the market engagement process.\nThis notice is not a call for competition, a contract notice, or a commitment to procure.\nAffinity Water reserves the right to alter or terminate the market engagement process at any time without notice.\nAffinity Water is not liable for any costs or expenses incurred by any party in responding to this RFI.\nSubmission of a response does not guarantee inclusion in any future procurement or prequalification process.\nAffinity water reserves the right to enter into further rounds of pre-market engagement.\nAll future procurement opportunities will be published through the Central Digital platform (CDP).\nAffinity Water will process your personal data, such as your name and contact details, in accordance with its obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal data will be used for the purposes of reviewing your questionnaire and contacting you for further information only. Any information you provide may be shared with our Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme commercial partners."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
15 Jul 2025 · 039878-2025 · planning
{
  "id": "039878-2025",
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        ],
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            "description": "Water distribution and related services"
          },
          {
            "id": "66100000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Banking and investment services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Grand Union Canal Transfer Scheme - Moving Water Together",
    "value": {
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      "currency": "GBP",
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    },
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    "description": "Affinity Water is the largest water-only supplier in the UK, serving over 3.8 million people across the southeast of England. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer service, Affinity Water is committed to securing water supplies for future generations while protecting the environment. Our work includes reducing water leakage, promoting water efficiency, and engaging with communities to ensure a reliable and sustainable water future.\nThe Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme has been designated a project of national significance, forming part of Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme. Affinity Water is looking to utilise a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) through a Design-Build -Finance (DBF) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model or variations thereof (including Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM)). The scheme facilitates strategic water transfer from the Midlands to the Southeast, leveraging existing canal infrastructure alongside new assets, including water treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations, and environmental mitigation works. This notice seeks market engagement from suitably qualified parties capable of delivering a secure, sustainable, and value-oriented solution for customers aligned with long-term national water resilience objectives.",
    "specialRegime": [
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    "mainProcurementCategory": "works",
    "additionalProcurementCategories": [
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  "parties": [
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        "locality": "Hatfield",
        "postalCode": "AL10 9EZ",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Tamblin Way"
      },
      "details": {
        "url": "https://guctransfer.co.uk/",
        "classifications": [
          {
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            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Private utility"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "02546950",
        "scheme": "GB-COH"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "guctscheme@affinitywater.co.uk"
      },
      "additionalIdentifiers": [
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          "id": "PMRZ-1695-VBDV",
          "scheme": "GB-PPON"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "039878-2025",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/039878-2025",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2025-07-15T11:30:47+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2025-09-05T23:59:59+01:00",
        "description": "Affinity Water Limited is issuing this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice as part of the early market consultation for the Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme (GUCT scheme), a nationally significant water infrastructure initiative. The southern section of this project is to be delivered under Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme, using a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) model.\nAffinity Water seeks to engage with market participants who may have the capability, experience, and interest in delivering the scheme through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model. This early market consultation is a Request for Information (RFI) to help shape the commercial, technical, and delivery strategy of the project and inform the forthcoming procurement process.\nThe project includes (but is not limited to):\n•\tWater Treatment Works\n•\tPumping stations\n•\tTransfer pipelines\n•\tCanal enhancements\n•\tEnvironmental and mitigation measures\n•\tLong-term operation and maintenance services (if DBFOM is adopted)\nAffinity Water is looking to appoint a Competitively Appointed Provider (CAP) through an open, fair, and transparent competitive procurement process. Affinity Water anticipates that the CAP will be responsible for the design, build, and financing of the scheme, with options to include operation and maintenance for a defined contract term of 25 years.\nThis Market Engagement is focused on:\n•\tGauging market capacity and capability\n•\tUnderstanding potential delivery models and risks\n•\tInforming procurement strategy (DBF, DBFM & DBFOM)\n•\tIdentifying innovations and barriers to entry\nThe scope of this RFI includes:\n•\tTechnical feasibility and constructability insights\n•\tFinancing models, including private sector appetite and structures\n•\tOperations and maintenance considerations (where applicable)\n•\tCommercial risk allocation and delivery timelines\n•\tMarket constraints or innovations\n•\tEnvironmental or regulatory factors\nAffinity Water encourages responses from:\n•\tInfrastructure investors and financiers\n•\tConstruction and engineering firms\n•\tOperations and maintenance specialists\n•\tJoint ventures or consortia\nPlease email guctsheme@affinitywater.co.uk to register/participate in the market engagement process.\nThis notice is not a call for competition, a contract notice, or a commitment to procure.\nAffinity Water reserves the right to alter or terminate the market engagement process at any time without notice.\nAffinity Water is not liable for any costs or expenses incurred by any party in responding to this RFI.\nSubmission of a response does not guarantee inclusion in any future procurement or prequalification process.\nAffinity water reserves the right to enter into further rounds of pre-market engagement.\n All future procurement opportunities will be published through the Central Digital platform (CDP).\nAffinity Water will process your personal data, such as your name and contact details, in accordance with its obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal data will be used for the purposes of reviewing your questionnaire and contacting you for further information only. Any information you provide may be shared with our Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme commercial partners."
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}