Tender: Archaeological Geophysical Survey (Ground Penetrating Radar) – Tavistock (Bedford Square & Churchyard)

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Tavistock Town Council is seeking a consultant to carry out an archaeological geophysical survey to CIfA standards of the area shown on drawing J26.014, with the work priced for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and alternative methods accepted if submitted with supporting rationale. The appointed contractor must apply for required consents on appointment (including the Section 42 licence) and produce an accompanying method statement that accounts for site conditions such as a churchyard with funerals and ceremonies, public highways and footpaths, and the busy public realm of Bedford Square (regular markets), including allowances for unsociable hours or traffic management when surveying the highway. The brief requires two half days of community engagement on-site with small groups (no more than five people) from the Youth Café or heritage partners, a desktop exercise contacting sector specialists and statutory bodies to identify previous survey work, and a written report suitable for informing potential excavation and public interpretation that includes specified sections and plans cross-referenced to Blaylock's plan of the Abbey. The contractor must also allow for data archiving within six months, completing the online OASIS entry and depositing the digital archive with the Archaeological Data Service. The estimated fee budget is £13,000 to £20,000 plus VAT, with contract start and consent applications expected early October 2026 and survey and report completion targeted by the end of December 2026.