T184 Support Services for Telecoms Association of UK Water Industry

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.