NI Water has gone out to tender on behalf of the Telecommunications Association of the UK Water Industry (TAUWI) with a support services contract worth an estimated £900,000.

TAUWI is the body responsible for the management and administration of those parts of the radio spectrum allocated by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry via Ofcom to the Association for use by its members.

The tender is for the provision of administrative and technical support to each of the members of TAUWI – with membership drawn from across the UK water and wastewater companies, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Jersey Public Services Department and Land Drainage Boards

The Association acts as the focus for the UK Water Industry in communications matters and represents its members in negotiations with external bodies, government departments, agencies, regulatory organisations, suppliers and manufacturers.

Set up in April 2004, the scope of TAUWI has been extended to capitalise on new opportunities resulting from emerging technologies and regulatory changes. The association meets on a regular basis to discuss telecoms related matters, issues and opportunities affecting the industry including

• Cyber Security
• IoT
• Telemetry
• Radio Communications

The water sector makes considerable use of telemetry and control data in the provision of its core services. The Environment Agency & Natural Resources Wales also use telemetry and data control as part of their flood defence management schemes.

The initial contract period is 3 years, with the option to extend for a further 2 years in total.

Time limit for receipt of expressions of interest is 26 February 2021 – click here to access the tender documentation.