Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) has issued a tender for framework contracts with external experts who can support RVO.nl in managing site studies and assist with the development of offshore wind farm zones.
These site studies will be used for the preparation of bids for tenders to construct a wind farm in accordance with the Dutch Offshore Wind Energy Act (Wet Windenergie op zee) and SDE+ (Encouraging Sustainable Energy Production) grant procedures.
The work includes, but is not limited to, preparation of scopes of work for studies to be contracted by RVO.nl; evaluation of proposals from tenderers, contract management; and review of deliverables.
The site studies cover a broad range of knowledge sectors, therefore, this tender is divided into four lots: Obstructions and mapping, Soil, Wind and water, and Interfaces with other activities.
Tenderers are requested to offer experts for one or multiple lots.
For each lot ROV.nl intends to conclude a framework agreement with three contractors with a term of two years, with an option to renew twice for one year.
In the Netherlands, the government sets the first steps in the development of offshore wind farms by designating a wind farm zone.
It then carries out the site investigations, determines the conditions for building and operating a wind farm, and issues request for tenders from industry for the associated subsidies and project permits.
Winners of the site development tenders will be granted a permit to construct a wind farm according to the Offshore Wind Energy Act, a SDE+ grant, and offered a grid connection to the mainland.
The RVO.nl provides site data, which can be used for the preparation of bids for these tenders.
The site data are collected with a number of investigations such as geographical desk studies, UXO risk assessments, metocean measurement campaigns and desk studies, geophysical and geotechnical surveys, wind resource assessments, etc.
For each of these studies RVO.nl selects a contractor to carry out the work. The RVO.nl also project manages the studies, supported by external experts.
The tender will remain open until 12 April, 2017.