Procurement tips for investigating contamination

An investigation may be quick and affordable, but this stage is crucial to determining whether there is a need to remediate a site as well as the objectives and methods of remediation.
The Clean Soil Programme has compiled a checklist for PIMA project procurements in the eight points below. For more procurement-related instructions, see the instructions and guides linked to this page.

Eight-point checklist for PIMA procurement

  1. A PIMA project may have similarities with other procurements, such as the procurement of earthworks contracts. The procurement expertise gained from other projects should be put to use, but keep in mind that in PIMA projects, for example, concepts, remediation methods, occupational safety, soil properties and sorting and analysis techniques may differ from traditional earthworks projects. 
     
  2. An investigation may be quick and affordable, but this stage is crucial to determining whether there is a need to remediate a site as well as the objectives and methods of remediation. You should therefore invest in the scope of research and professional skill of consultants when procuring an investigation. 
     
  3. When choosing consultants and contractors, take into account that the projects require experts from different fields, extensive knowledge of hazardous substances and legislation as well as competence and experience in soil and groundwater geology and restoration methods. 
     
  4. When tendering for remediation, also take into account that it may be a service contract, a construction contract or both. Soil replacement is considered a construction contract and in-situ restoration is considered a service contract. The quality of a procurement affects, for example, the selection of CPV codes, thresholds and the procurement procedure. Use of the correct codes and procedures is mandatory and helps to select the appropriate consultant or contractor. 
     
  5. Changes and surprises are common in PIMA projects, and the scope, schedule or even remediation method may need to be changed based on new information gathered during the remediation stage. Take this into account by allocating sufficient financial resources, personnel and equipment for the project. 
     
  6. Keep the Finnish Supervisory Agency Soil Protection Group and municipal health and environmental protection authorities up to date beginning from the planning and procurement stage. 
     
  7. A project often affects neighbours and is of broader interest to local residents, which is why communication is a key part of a successful project. Ensure open and proactive communication, documentation and reporting at each stage of the project. 
     
  8. Pay attention to occupational safety and health: PIMA projects may involve the risk of exposure to hazardous substances or injury in construction site excavations or traffic inside or outside the site.