The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is procuring archaeological investigation and archaeological mitigation works (identify and record/recover) at our Northstowe site; which is a proposed new town development located 10km north-west of Cambridge, UK. The underlying geology is comprised of 3rd and 4th terrace river gravels above Kimmeridge and Ampthill clay formations. The site has been subject to geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation, which has identified numerous sites of archaeological interest. These are predominantly of Iron Age and Roman date, although there is also evidence for Bronze Age activity. Late Saxon and Medieval archaeology has also been identified, but these known sites will not be impacted by the development. Recent adjacent fieldwork has also identified evidence for extensive Saxon settlement and burials.

A full brief for the works has been prepared by Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Team (CHET), the principal elements are: — Open Area excavation of identified sites; — Strip/map/record area of water-park; — Strip/map/record new access and haulage roads; — Transect investigation of areas where remains not identified in evaluation or geophysical survey; — Post-excavation assessment and analysis leading to the production of an archive report and publication of the excavation results. The Contractor shall prepare a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for the whole of the works which shall include, but not be limited to: — the Contractor's method for surveying and establishing the site grid; — the Contractor's retention and disposal policies for samples and artefacts recovered during the Works; — the Contractor's method for excavating and recording inhumations and cremations; — the Contractor's method for palaeoenvironmental site sampling and processing procedures (to include recovery of samples for chronometric dating); — the Contractor's procedures for liaison with the Principal Contractor on appointment; — the Contractors Methods and Procedures for quality control and assurance; — the Contractors methods for ensuring the quality of work undertaken by subcontractors; and — the Contractor's methods for undertaking post excavation, assessment, analysis and reporting. The WSI shall be issued in draft as part of the Contractor's response to the Invitation to Tender. A revised draft shall be issued within 5 working days of contract award. The WSI shall clearly identify all Standards and Guidance that the Contractor intends to comply with in the delivery of the Works. The finalised WSI will be issued to CHET by the Client for agreement.