Operators Panel Manager for the Scottish Wave & Tidal Operators Agreement

Crown Estate Scotland intends to appoint an independent consultant to act as the Operators Panel Manager (OPM) for the Scottish Wave and Tidal Operators Agreement. The OPM will chair and manage the Operators Panel, coordinate Operators, and oversee business‑as‑usual functions of the unified Agreement (in place since October 2024). Key tasks include reinstating and chairing the Panel(s), managing technical work programmes, supporting the ongoing review and consolidation of the Agreements, coordinating technical workstreams (TWG/WWG), monitoring progress of model‑development projects such as UPSTREAM and TEAMER, and reviewing Operator Adverse Impact Assessments.

Crown Estate Scotland (CES) manages land, coastline, seabed and property on behalf of the Scottish people, with a remit to generate long‑term economic, social and environmental value. CES intends to establish a contract for an independent Operators Panel Manager (OPM) to support the governance, coordination and operation of the Scottish Wave and Tidal Operators Agreement.

The Agreement provides the governance framework through which marine energy developers interact, ensure that early developers’ resource rights are protected, and manage potential impacts between neighbouring developments. The unified Agreement, completed with Operator input during 2023–2024, sets out the requirements that new projects must meet to limit adverse impacts on existing projects.

The appointed OPM will act as an independent, neutral facilitator responsible for chairing the Scottish Wave and Tidal Power Operators Panel; maintaining agreed governance processes; coordinating Operators, Technical Experts and CES representatives; and presenting issues neutrally. Core responsibilities include:

managing documentation, minutes, actions and stakeholder communications;

supporting or managing technical Working Groups, including the Tidal Working Group and Wave Working Group;

reviewing Operator Impact Assessments and supporting CES in interpreting associated implications;

providing light‑touch monitoring or summary reporting on external research or technical projects (e.g. UPSTREAM and TEAMER); and

supporting the continued development of guidance to assist Operators in discharging obligations under the Agreement.

The level of activity will vary over the contract term depending on sector developments and the needs of Operators and CES. In‑person attendance at meetings is typically required within one to two weeks’ notice and will generally take place within the Scottish Central Belt.

The current OPM contract expires on 04 July 2026. CES requires a six‑week mobilisation period prior to this date. The proposed contract structure is an initial two‑year term with options to extend for up to a further three years (2 + 2 + 1), aligned to CES’ Corporate Plan.

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) aims to assess market interest, supplier capability and capacity, identify delivery challenges or conflicts of interest, and gather feedback to inform the final scope, structure and commercial model of the forthcoming tender. Participation in the PIN is voluntary and will not be evaluated for award purposes.

Please see the provided "PIN Description" document for further information.

The questionnaire is accessible at the following link - https://www.cognitoforms.com/ScotlandExcel1/OnBehalfOfCrownEstateScotlandPINQuestionnaireOperatorsPanelManagerForTheScottishWaveTidalOperatorsAgree. CES is issuing this PIN to gather supplier views on capability, capacity, risks and pricing needs. Participation is voluntary and will not form part of any future evaluation. A questionnaire is provided, with responses requested by 09 March 2026 at 12:00. Non‑respondents may still participate in any subsequent open procedure.

Scotland Excel is managing this PIN and any subsequent procurement exercise on behalf of CES, but will not be party to the implementation or management of any resultant contract.

Interested parties are encouraged to complete the questionnaire at the following link so their input can help inform the development of the tender scope: https://www.cognitoforms.com/ScotlandExcel1/OnBehalfOfCrownEstateScotlandPINQuestionnaireOperatorsPanelManagerForTheScottishWaveTidalOperatorsAgree