This tender includes the conclusion of a framework agreement with one company for advice and assistance on further feasibility studies on the environment and sustainability for the Kattegat link - Kyst-Kyst. The tasks concern, among other things, studies of climate and environmental consequences as well as sustainability measures in connection with a fixed link across the Kattegat, cf. further on this the Service Description.
This tender includes the conclusion of a framework agreement with one company for advice and assistance on further feasibility studies on the environment and sustainability for the Kattegat link - Kyst-Kyst (the "Framework Agreement").
In connection with the presentation of the results of the feasibility study to the Danish Parliament's transport spokesmen at a meeting on 15 June 2022, the following was decided:
"The feasibility study of kattegat does not provide a basis for initiating the project. Thus, no concrete construction activities will be undertaken. There is political support for further discussion of launching further studies on climate and environmental impacts."
Based on the above opinion, Sund & Bælt Holding A/S ("Sund & Bælt") needs to ensure the possibility of being able to take advice assistance if the political discussions result in agreement on the initiation of the further studies referred to by the Minister.
The present framework agreement therefore intends to provide Sund & Bælt with advisory support in the area of environmental assessment at various levels, including at the level of environmental impact assessment (MKV). In addition, the agreement includes the collection of environmental data, e.g. in the form of necessary field studies for use in the environmental assessments of selected environmental topics within e.g. nature, climate, water at environmental impact level.
In addition, advice may be needed on sustainability measures that are related to the environmental issues of an MKV, but may go beyond the pure regulatory requirements.
The framework agreement does not cover the initiation of new advisory services following a formal political decision on the implementation of an EIA, cf. the service description.
The requirements for the quality and scope of the task solution may vary in volume and complexity, but in general, the Consultant must be able to provide environmental assessments within selected climate and environmental topics at environmental impact level (MKV) and within the areas covered by the Environmental Impact Assessment of Projects (MKV), including associated assessments according to other sets of rules such as the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Marine Strategy Directive. Environmental studies and data collection must perceive all types of studies that are requested as part of an environmental impact assessment. Marine model runs targeted at hydrographic surveys and water quality as well as conducting geophysical surveys are not part of the framework agreement's tasks.
In addition, the consultant must be able to advise on and work with sustainability in relation to the topics covered by an MKV, including minimizing the climate impact and mitigating impacts and improvements of, for example, biodiversity and nature for use in the task solutions at a level that is beyond the classic environmental assessment work with the mere mitigation of the impacts.
The framework agreement runs for 4 years and does not contain options.
Sund & Bælt offers several framework agreements within the area of environmental impact assessment of projects for the Kattegat fixed link. The following framework agreements are expected to be put out to tender in 2022:
- Framework agreement on marine model runs targeted at hydrographic studies and water quality conditions for the Kattegat link - Kyst-Kyst
- Framework agreement on geophysical surveys for the Kattegat link – Coast-Coast
In accordance with Section 49 of the Danish Procurement Act, Sund & Bælt has further considered whether this framework agreement can be divided into lots, but has considered it most appropriate not to make such a further division. Sund & Bælt believes that splitting the framework agreement into several sub-agreements will result in disproportionate administrative burdens, both in relation to the tender process and in relation to ongoing contract management, including the ongoing management of the tasks under the framework agreement.
The framework agreement covers the performance of tasks for Sund & Bælt and the listed companies in Appendix 5: List of covered companies.