Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services

Tender description

Devon County Council (DCC) are looking to procure a framework agreement for the maintenance and improvement works to approximately 5 000 km of Public Rights of Way (comprising footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways), 230 km of off-road recreational trail network (for example, the Tarka Trail) and 590 km of minor road network (mainly unmetalled) including the South West Coast Path National Trial for which it is responsible along with the areas covered by the Stover Country Park and Grand Western Canal Country Park. The historic annual spend for this work has been approximately GBP 1.5 million. It is intended that the framework agreement will operate over a 4-year period operating in eight geographical areas throughout Devon (based on District Council Boundaries) and is likely to comprise two lots as follows: Lot 1: Work Activities which will include Vegetation Clearance and Typical Maintenance Activities; Lot 2: Work Activities involving the use of Chainsaw Equipment for Tree Works (up to 380 mm diameter and ground based works only). The main works to be delivered under the arrangement are seasonal vegetation cutting, ground based tree works, sign and waymarker installation, gate installation, surface maintenance (mostly compacted stone or natural surfaces, drainage and ditch maintenance, bridge maintenance (replacing decking and handrails) and the like. DCC wishes to appoint a number of appropriately skilled and competent contractors to the framework agreement who can be called upon to undertake the maintenance and improvement works up to a value of GBP 100 000 per scheme. The historic average value of works orders is approximately GBP 2 700 and range from GBP 20 to GBP 50 000 plus (based on 2019/2020 data). Contractors may elect to operate in one or more or all of the operating areas and may bid for either one or both lots. More information regarding the arrangement may be accessed here: https://www.devon.gov.uk/prow/inspections-and-maintenance/prow-framework-2021-25/ and includes a simple questionnaire to allow prospective bidders to make comments and observations on the intended arrangements. The closing date for responses to the questionnaire is 2 October 2020. Lot 1 Work activities are likely to include vegetation clearance and typical maintenance activities as follows. Common tasks: • vegetation management — strimming/brush-cutting and/or flailing; • gate repair and installation — pedestrian, bridle and field gates; • step repair and installation; • signpost and waymark post installation; • surface maintenance and improvement — unbound surfaces/compacted stone; • drainage works — Grip cleaning/ditch cleaning; • ad-hoc inspections and reporting back of problems. Occasional tasks: • timber kit bridge installation — foot bridges and/or bridle bridges; • surface metalling — tarmac maintenance and/or laying concrete; • enforcement action; • fencing — Stockproof post and wire and/or timber post and rail; • river training works; • erosion control; • invasive and noxious weed treatment. Lot 2 Work activities are likely to include the use of chainsaw equipment for tree works as follows: • removal of fallen trees and vegetation; • felling/reduction of imminent-risk trees of less than 380 mm diameter which can be felled from ground level; • removal, chipping or stacking of material as appropriate.