Economic Advice and Related Services to Support Development of a New Rural Support Scheme for Scotland

Tender description

Section 1 – Introduction The Rural and Environmental Science, and Analytical Services (RESAS) Division within Scottish Government wishes to procure economic advice and related services to provide analysis and briefing in support of ongoing work to develop a new rural support scheme for Scotland following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU). Scope /Statement of Requirement The supplier will be asked to provide economic advice, analysis and briefing to inform the development of future policies to support rural and agricultural land. The supplier will need to demonstrate the ability to assess evidence of the social, economic and environmental impacts that can relate to these proposals and should be able to do so in a manner consistent with HM Treasury Green Book guidance. The supplier must be able to demonstrate significant experience in the following areas: 1. Key topics and areas related to rural land use including agriculture, peatlands, forestry, biodiversity and other social and environmental impacts generally captured in natural capital frameworks 2. The ability to assess these areas in the context of impacts from potential policy options 3. Links and trade-offs between these including farmers’ incomes and food production 4. Wider related topics such as structural change, land values, carbon farming opportunities and other devolved administration’s proposals. The supplier should be able to demonstrate strong expertise and significant relevant experience in agricultural and environmental economics and have a strong track record of working with Governments in the past. The supplier will be expected to work closely with RESAS to determine the specific topics for assessment. Initial topics to be assessed should be agreed following an inception meeting. However, this contract is intended to provide support to a fast-moving policy agenda and further topics for analysis will arise over the period of the contract. All topics for analysis through this contract should be agreed by RESAS and the contractor.