Future FRM>SFRM2: the Environment Agency’s response to the future flood risk agenda
The Environment Agency is putting in place a consultants’ framework to deliver flood risk management modelling and mapping projects and related services. This framework, known as SFRM2, is a development of its existing Strategic Flood Risk Management framework which is due to end later this year. The framework will run from 2009 to 2013, and will provide the Environment Agency with the support it needs to meet its objectives and obligations in the field of flood risk.
In this context, SFRM2 will be of critical importance in helping the Environment Agency model, understand and mitigate the future risk of flooding in the UK. Its key objectives for the framework are to:
- develop close relationships across all framework partners ensuring the long-term development of flood risk management expertise
- utilise the available consultancy resource base to ensure the availability of skilled personnel with relevant experience
- obtain value for money while maintaining quality and innovative outputs
- work with consultants who will respond to change alongside the EA in the evolving business of flood risk management.
These objectives will provide the cornerstone for the success of SFRM2. Frameworks provide an excellent opportunity to deliver increased performance through co-operation, collaboration and competition, and in selecting the best of the best available, the Environment Agency will have at its disposal some of the finest flood resources in the world with leading edge strategic flood capability, flood resilience and integrated urban drainage expertise, and sewer and groundwater modelling skills. Achieving value for money goes hand in hand with quality and innovation, and the framework will provide the EA with the opportunity to work with thought leaders across the range of disciplines required, while controlling the quality and value delivered.
Responding to change in flood risk management will be an exciting challenge for the SFRM2 participants and the EA. Flood risk management post-Pitt is likely to mean substantial developments now and into the future with a rapidly changing customer need, and those consultants best able to respond to change will be those with the ability to match present need but with the capability to help drive the future agenda, adapting its capability to match the changing programme need, build upon innovative ideas, and develop its staff to maximise the benefit of change.
The timetable
for SFRM2 will see the Environment Agency award contracts to successful
consultants in February 2009.
To discuss Entec’s response to SFRM2, please
contact our proposed
framework manager, Bill Finlinson.
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