Allotments Consultation and Strategy Consultancy

Tender description

Overview Sandwell Council, Borough Economy, are seeking a consultant or consultancy to complete a review of our allotments provision, agreements, fees and charges, and develop an allotments strategy. Term of Contract The term of the contract is from 17th October - Jan 10th 2022. Only those able to complete within these timescales will be awarded the contract. The successful bidder will have a contract to: 1. Conduct a site visit to each of 40 allotment sites. 2. Complete the following at each site: o List of all assets (furniture, bedding, features, signage, interpretation, facilities) including assessment of quality and repairs required. o Take pictures of the full site including assets, entrance and exits, outside views from the green space (of the area directly surrounding). o Note nearby community assets / residential areas / businesses / transport links. 3. Provide a basic assessment of: a. Immediate issues to address: i.e. health and safety issues and quick fixes that will immediately provide impact for the community. b. Improvements required to assets (either asset removal, replacement, repair, or additions) that will enhance quality and value, or address a quality / value concerns for the site. c. Opportunities for the space to improve quality and value scores d. Current usage of each site and plot. 4. Some sites will also require the following (estimation of 5 sample sites): a. Discussion with local groups / stakeholders on views for the sites / allotments provision in Sandwell. 5. Complete the following review of our allotments strategy and policy, supporting Sandwell Council to be able to answer the following: a. How do we compare to national benchmarks and local comparitors on allotment provision? b. What is the demand, and based on current tenancies, what would be the current estimated waiting time be for an allotment plot. c. Review our current management arrangements and develop options for self-managed / council managed allotments. d. Review current contracts, fees and charges, terms and conditions, agreements, and draft proposed changes to these. Price Guide Bidders should submit their quotes as follows: 1. An estimation of time required for each improvement plan. Our current estimation based on samples is 2 - 3 hours per site as an average (note many sites are small). 2. Include a daily rate. 3. Break down the price by the outcomes above.