Procurement for National River Flow Archive Peak Flows Dataset Maintenance

The National River Flow Archive’s Peak Flows Dataset (NRFA-PFD) forms a key strategic national asset, underpinning most flood estimation calculations in the UK. The NRFA-PFD refers to the complete UK-wide dataset – with contributions from the Environment Agency (EA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Department for Infrastructure – Rivers (DfIR – covering Northern Ireland). NRFA-PFD ensures that data and information on peak flow data are openly available and consistent across the UK to a wide range of stakeholders. The current contract for this service ends in March 2026, and a new four-year contract is needed to maintain the service until March 2030. The principal aim of the project is to maintain the continuity and quality of the peak flow dataset to enable evidence-based decision making across the flood-risk sector in England and beyond. The specific activities undertaken by the supplier will include: (a) an annual update of the Peak Flows Dataset, (b) an annual Period of Record review, (c) onboarding and maintaining the existing dataset, reporting on its usage and managing relationships with the relevant Measuring Authorities, (d) exploring opportunities for improvements in the Peak Flows Dataset, including automation of quality control processes, (e) hosting the Peak Flows Dataset online so that it is open and accessible, and (f) the hosting of quarterly management meetings between the supplier and the Measuring Authorities.