Tree-maintenance services

Tender description

The Council is seeking to establish a tree maintenance framework to carry out works as directed in line with the Council’s annual tree programme. The framework will be multisource with a preferred maximum 6 suppliers over a 2-4 year period. The framework agreement will be for an initial 2 year period with an option to extend for a further 2 years. The estimated total spend for the duration of this framework is within the range — GBP 300 000 to GBP 660 000. Winchester City Council (the Council) is committed to maintaining and enhancing the districts built and natural environment. Protecting and improving the attractive environment that residents enjoy is important, Winchester District’s trees provide an enormous asset and make it one of the greener towns in the south. The council is responsible for approximately 30 000 individual trees at least two small woodlands and need to be managed to maximise ecological, landscape and social gain whilst being resilient to future pressures including climate change and disease. In addition, the Council has a duty of care and responsibility to manage it’s trees in an effective and appropriate manner, thereby reducing the risk they pose to people and property. The council are seeking to appoint contractors to a framework to provide a tree maintenance service throughout the year across the District of Winchester, over a maximum 4-year period. The contractors will work closely with the council's in-house tree inspectors who will be identifying and issuing orders for the tree works. Works will include mostly pruning and felling, although there will be an element of tree planting and associated young tree care. The Council will have a proactive tree inspection programme with identified risk zones. The framework agreement is to carry out the necessary works from this programme. It is envisaged the order process will be driven by a new IT system purchased by the Council to streamline the ordering process of works. Tree works on reactive orders are a response to enquiries and events which have been reported to the council. These orders may be spread across a wider geographical area. The contractor will also be responsible for providing a 24 hour/365 day emergency call out service. The framework contract will be for a period of 4 years commencing in July 2020. The outcome of the procurement needs to reflect a theme that underpins the council’s priorities to ensure the use of technology to improve customer access, speed up processes and enter into service delivery arrangements that improves service, reduce cost and protect and enhance the environment.