T184 Support Services for Telecoms Association of UK Water Industry

Description

The following are the services a Supplier must provide to TAUWI (water industry telecoms group), covering meetings, spectrum management, telecoms support, governance, and administration. The Supplier will act as a technical, regulatory, administrative, and strategic partner to TAUWI—managing radio spectrum, supporting telecom operations, ensuring compliance/security, and coordinating industry collaboration. Meetings & Governance • Attend and support TAUWI and Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings (in-person and remote). • Provide briefings to the Chair, agendas, minutes, logistics, and newsletters. • Organise venues, communications, and member engagement. • Publish a quarterly TAUWI newsletter summarising activities. Spectrum Management (Core Function) • Manage radio spectrum allocated by Ofcom for TAUWI members. • Cover services such as: o Frequency planning and allocation (PBR, telemetry, RMR, etc.). o Licensing support and compliance. o Interference investigation and resolution. o National Frequency Plan and related frameworks. • Support transition to digital radio systems and coordination with regulators (UK & international). • Provide technical advice, site visits, and planning tools. Telecommunications Support • Advise members on telecom systems, licences, and emerging technologies. • Provide updates on regulatory changes and opportunities. • Maintain awareness of health & safety requirements for telecom sites. • Arrange training/presentations on safe working practices. Security & Data Protection • Maintain an industry-wide strategy for cyber and telemetry security aligned with NCSC, Ofcom, and NIS Regulations. • Provide a secure data repository with: o Encryption (in transit & at rest) o Access controls and MFA • Ensure compliance with GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018. • Maintain cyber certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus). Stakeholder Engagement • Maintain relationships with Ofcom, DEFRA, BIS, Water UK, and other bodies. • Represent TAUWI on industry groups (e.g., BRIG, FWILF). • Liaise with technology suppliers and industry forums. Financial & Licence Administration • Collect and manage licence fees and member contributions. • Pay Ofcom fees and manage trust accounts. • Provide financial reporting and advise on funding needs. • Maintain transparent accounting and audit access. Systems, Data & IT Requirements • Maintain software, modelling tools, and databases for spectrum planning. • Ensure: o Data backup and disaster recovery o Accurate records (licences, spectrum, infrastructure, etc.) • Keep TAUWI website and systems up to date. Windfarm & External Applications • Process windfarm applications that may affect telecom systems. • Notify impacted members and maintain a windfarm register. • Offer optional enhanced interference analysis services. Reporting Requirements • Provide: o Quarterly performance and activity reports o Reports for TWG and Executive Committee o Annual report for all members • Failure to meet service levels can lead to contract termination. Ancillary & Optional Services • Respond to telecom consultations on behalf of TAUWI. • Organise workshops and innovation activities. • Support legal advice procurement when needed. • Offer optional member-paid services (e.g., enhanced windfarm assessments). Compliance & Quality • Maintain: o ISO 9001 (quality management) o Cybersecurity certifications • Ensure qualified key personnel (consultant, contract manager, admin). Transition & Implementation • Supplier must be fully operational by agreed start date. • Provide resources, communication plans, and mobilisation activities.