Countryside Land Management and Estate Maintenance Framework

This invitation to tender ('ITT') relates to Lake District National Park Authority's (the 'Authority') procurement for a Countryside Land Management and Estate Maintenance Framework Agreement, for our Ranger Services Team and others.

Successful Tenderers will be appointed onto a multi-supplier Framework Agreement divided into Lots. The Framework Agreement will be available for use by the Authority and by other bodies in the Authority's network by prior agreement. The Authority is seeking a mix of contractors to bid for a place on the Framework Agreement, including companies, consultants, sole traders, and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

This procurement is divided into Lots (and sub-lots in the case of Lot 4). Suppliers may bid for one or more Lots/sub-lots provided that you can supply at least one of the services mentioned in the Lot Specification at Table A.

Please note that you do not need to be able to provide all of the services listed in the Lot specification, provided you can supply at least one of the services mentioned in that Lot you may submit a tender.

All Prices should be submitted as a maximum for provision of your goods/services and will be a commitment for the duration of the Framework Agreement, subject to the allowed increase in price annually.

This Framework Agreement will allow for Direct Award and Further Competition of Call-off Contracts.

Tenderers should read the instructions contained in this ITT carefully before submitting a response. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this ITT may result in the rejection of the Tender.

Tenderers are advised to acquaint themselves fully with the extent and nature of the goods and/or services in the Statement of Requirement and with the Terms and Conditions. Participation in this procurement automatically signals that the Tenderer accepts the Terms and Conditions contained in this ITT.

If a Tenderer is awarded a place on any Lot of the Framework, a draft Framework Agreement will be provided after all awards have taken place (est. February - March 2027). Any award is not legally binding and subject-to-contract until the final Framework Agreement between the Authority and the Tenderer is signed.

The Lake District National Park Authority looks after the Lake District National Park, encouraging people to enjoy and understand its beauty and supporting those who live and work here. Further information about the LDNPA, including our statutory functions, is available on our website.

We are working towards making the Lake District an inspirational example of sustainable development in action. We want its prosperous economy, world class visitor experiences and vibrant communities to come together in sustaining the spectacular landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage here. Details of how we are doing this are outlined in our Vision: Our purpose and vision - Lake District National Park

Our Ranger Services Team at LDNPA has a focus on maintaining and improving the Rights of Way and other access in the Lake District National Park, while encouraging and educating users in responsible outdoor recreation on accessible land and navigable lakes. They support visitor management and nature recovery initiatives, and the enhancement and maintenance of our rural properties, in line with our strategic priorities. They work closely with communities to help them meet their needs in ways that contribute to our Vision. The Ranger Team's workload includes project work, such as the Coast-to-Coast and Fix the Fells.

The Historic Environment Team commissions specialist consultancy support to inform the conservation, management and enhancement of the National Park's historic environment. This may include heritage impact assessments, conservation area appraisals, historic building recording, conditions surveys, archaeological investigations, landscape and townscape character assessments, design advice, and other specialist heritage and built environment studies to support planning, conservation and place-shaping objectives.

Our needs are specific and will vary. We are looking for Suppliers who understand the work we do and not only can provide exceptional services, but who can contribute to our wider Vision for the Lake District. Please note that the Lot Descriptions in section 2 are included to provide some background information on the work of the Authority. The following are examples of types of services which may be required by our Ranger Service. This is not exhaustive but is intended to demonstrate the breadth of the services which will be required:

Providing services on a recurring and annual basis, such as our bridge maintenance responsibilities and sourcing of materials for daily use;

Providing advice and practical work on specific public sector funded projects, such as the Coast-to-Coast project.

Providing specific advice to our internal team of individuals and organisations with whom we operate, for internal projects involving our own land and property, and also to our partner organisations such as Fix the Fells.