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. – Lot nr.: 1 Bridges Supply, Repair and Maintenance The Authority supplies, installs and maintains bridges on public rights of way throughout the National Park including bridleways and footpaths for use by horse riders, cyclists, mobility scooters and pedestrians. We are seeking suppliers who can assist with the following: • Supply bridge materials as component parts and/or complete structures in a variety of materials including recycled plastic, metal, timber, concrete, stone. These bridges will need to be to our specification or bespoke design in some cases. • Using the materials listed above, build and install those bridges in a wide variety of locations, including some remote and difficult to get to. This can include machine work, working with helicopter delivery companies, working with hand tools, demolition and construction of abutments. • To repair existing bridge structures in situ, including replacement of handrails, decking boards, beams, abutments e.g. stonework. • To provide designs to structural engineers´ standards to meet the supplied specifications for a wide range of bridge types, including footbridges, bridleway bridges and those suitable for road traffic in some instances. This might include reviewing and revising our existing designs and specifications, to producing bespoke designs for individual unique locations and bridge types. • For structural engineers to inspect the current condition of bridges and abutments to check they meet the standards for the required user groups and to sign off newly installed bridges to verify that they meet the required specification and standards. • To provide, erect and use scaffolding, including in remote locations, to complex designs, to enable the team to carry out maintenance and construction work on the bridges and other rights of way work in a safe and secure manner, following current industry and health and safety standards. Services required: • Supply of prefabricated bridge kits • Provision of materials e.g. timber/ plastic/ metal • Bespoke design of bridges • Installation of bridges • Repair of bridges • Engineer surveys on bridges • Scaffolding on bridges to support safe installation or repair Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value) – Lot nr.: 2 Supply of Materials The Authority requires qualified suppliers for the supply, delivery and installation of materials and services to support our countryside construction and maintenance projects. It aims to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective delivery of materials and services while complying with health, safety, and environmental standards. It also aims to facilitate the provision of locally sourced materials to reduce transport mileage, to support the economic wellbeing of the National Park, and to showcase local products. Suppliers under this framework must demonstrate relevant experience, proven quality standards and the capacity to meet delivery schedules. Services and materials will be provided according to defined specifications, with monitoring of performance through key indicators such as timeliness, quality, and responsiveness. Suppliers must ensure that all materials supplied meet relevant British Standards or industry-recognised equivalents. Goods required: • Pipes/drains • Grass seed • Treated and some graded timber for fencing and the construction of timber boardwalks • Gates • Waymark roundels for Public Footpaths, Bridleways, Byways and permitted routes • Local stone (from the Lake District) for construction of unbound surface paths, stone for drainage works and dry-stone walling and bridge revetments • Plastic boardwalks from 1m to 3m width with non-slip finish • Metalwork (gate springs, gate hinges, catches screws, nuts, etc.) • Screened (inert) topsoil • Fingerposts and Waymarkers • Benches • Fencing wire • Metal fencing (i.e. Clipex) • Native tree species grown from seeds sourced in seed zone 301, or if unavailable, 302. Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value) – Lot nr.: 3 Minor Practical works under £50,000 The Authority requires a range of qualified suppliers for delivery of practical works and services supporting our countryside access and nature conservation projects across the National Park. This often requires working in remote locations with challenging access. All work standards and specifications will be set out in relevant documents. All work will need to be carried out to all relevant legislative requirements by appropriately trained and qualified staff. Examples of the types of work the Authority requires are: construction, repair and maintenance of structures, furniture and surfaces forming part of Public Rights of Way work (PROW) such as footpaths, bridleways and byways. Surfacing -The supply, construction, repair and maintenance of; • Un-bound, bound, crushed stone or tarmac paths. • Machine construction of profile inversion (subsoil) paths • Supply and delivery and laying of stone flags • Construction and repair of pitched stone paths using local stone. Drainage works - The supply, construction, repair and maintenance of; • Plastic drainage of all sizes. • Stone culverts • Drainage ditches. Fencing, Walling and hedgerows- The supply, construction, repair and maintenance of; • All forms of fencing including Post and rail, post and wire, metal estate style • Drystone and bound (mortared) walling in local vernacular style. • Hedgerows planted and maintained in the local vernacular style. Vegetation management • Mechanical and chemical control of vegetation on public rights of way, open land and formal sites including control of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS). Countryside Furniture - The supply, construction, repair, and maintenance of; • Wooden and metal fingerposts, signs, benches, gates stiles, boardwalks and other countryside furniture. Tree Works • Surveying, planting, felling, maintaining and high access rope work relating to tree management. • Supply of native tree and plant species. Transportation • Transportation of plant, machinery, materials to accessible parts of the National Park. Habitat Restoration Works • Restore peatland areas by hand and or machine. • Planting of native species Traffic Management Supply and management of traffic control systems on public highways up to ´A´ road standards. Please see our Rights of Way Specification Resource Pack at Appendix 1. Services required: • Surfacing • Drainage installation and maintenance • Sub soiling • Installation of stone flags • Pitching to create paths • Fencing • Walling • Vegetation control and clearance • Installation of countryside furniture (e.g. fingerposts/benches) • Tree works • Planting (trees and hedgerows) • Spraying (herbicides) • Hedge trimming • Salting and gritting paths • Trail sweeping • Mooring works (Ullswater/servicing) • Graffiti removal • Woodland management through thinning, coppicing, halo thinning, girdling, and processing of timber • Bracken management through mowing, rolling, or chemical application • Scrub management • Hedge laying • Grassland restoration and management activities; mowing, baling, weed wiping, harrowing, seeding, plug planting • Chemical control of invasive, non-native species Please also see Appendix 1 of the ITT. Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value) – Lot nr.: 4 Consultancy and Specialist Services The Authority requires a range of consultancy services to assist it in carrying out its statutory duties and project work. Our work is incredibly varied, and consultancy is required in relation to all stages of a project from feasibility, design, planning, and surveying. We require specialist advice in relation to Rights of Way, and lake/water works. Other areas of the Authority´s work include historic buildings and environment, planning and architectural surveying so we welcome consultants from a range of specialist practice areas. Advice sought could be, for example, in the form of written reports, design drawings to agreed standards, survey datasets (in agreed formats) or overseeing the delivery of defined projects around nature recovery or access and recreation related works. This Lot is divided into three individual sub-lots based on the type of consultancy required. Lot 4a: Access and Recreation services required: • Traffic management e.g. traffic lights • Planning consultancy • Structural engineering design • Construction Design and Management works • Electronic counting surveys - people, horses, vehicles, bikes etc • Rights of Way consultants • Project managers • Visitor monitoring and data • Property management and consulting Lot 4b: Natural Environment: • Ecological surveys (e.g. habitat surveys using NVC, UKHAB frameworks/Habitat condition monitoring using BNG or CSM methods/specialist surveys for taxonomical groups i.e Bryophytes, Lichens, protected species groups, insects) • Baseline surveys • Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans • Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat bank monitoring survey and reporting • Habitat and property management and monitoring planning • Drone Surveys • Geospatial surveys Lot 4c: Historic Environment: • Historic Structure Surveys (e.g. condition surveys, archaeological and structural assessments and repair schedules) • Archaeological surverys (e.g condition surveys, fieldwork, heritage assessments) • Contract administration services for Historic Structure Construction Projects Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value) – Lot nr.: 5 Training and Development he Authority requires qualified companies to provide essential training to ensure that individuals working in various roles are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements and legislation. The training requirements cover a range of topics, including first aid, manual handling, chainsaw, plant and equipment operation (to name a few - please see Appendix 2 for a full concise list), which are required to minimise risks and ensure a safe working environment. Courses will need to be accredited by recognised bodies, providing learners with the necessary qualifications to meet industry standards. • First aid • Manual handling • Practical countryside management training e.g.: walling, fencing • Plant and machinery operations e.g.: 4WD training, chainsaws, quad bikes, strimmers; • Species management training (e.g tree conditions surveys) • Please see Appendix 2 of the ITT for a list of all training requirements. Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value) – Lot nr.: 6 Supply and repairs of Equipment, Plant and Machinery The Authority has an internal fleet of various machinery, equipment and plant. We require services for maintenance and servicing of all types of equipment, plant, and machinery. We also require suppliers who can source and provide new equipment, plant and machinery as required. For example, current categories include: • Plant: diggers, dumpers, tracked power barrows, remote flails, chippers. • Vehicles: land rovers, pick-ups, 4x4s, electric vans and cars. • Power tools: compressors, jet washes, cement mixers, drills, stone saws, angle grinders chop saws etc. • Hand tools: spades, panel saws, shovelers, tampers, steel bars etc. • PPE: chainsaw trousers, hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection etc. • Fuel (Aspen, diesel, petrol, LPG etc.) • Servicing and safety inspections (e.g. LOLA checks on lifting strops and chains, and general servicing of tools like compressors) • Bi-annual service of outboard motors for patrol boats • Servicing of patrol boat trailers • Annual servicing of life jackets, patrol boat radar systems and CCTV systems. We require maintenance and servicing of all machinery and vehicles. Services required: • Servicing • Repairs • Maintenance (boats, outboard engines, trailers, lifejackets, diggers, dumpers, radar, CAT scanners, generator calibration) • Inspection of kit/ equipment • LOLER items checks • Supply of new machinery as required Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value) – Lot nr.: 7 Helicopter Operations Provide helicopter operations for the transportation of stone and other materials to remote locations throughout the Lake District: movement of prebagged fell stone in one-ton bags to high altitude worksites on popular mountain paths. Stropping, bunding and prepping materials such as flagstones, fence posts or bridge materials prior to flying. Providing specialist safety advice to officers involved in helicopter operations - before during and after any operations. Provide experienced ground crew for hooking on and assessing loads, receiving loads where necessary and ensuring specialist kit or equipment such as signage strops and radio headsets are available. To provide an indication of volume, in 2025 LDNPA flew over 400 tonnes of stone to high altitude sites. Suppliers must hold all relevant Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approvals, USL Licensing and operate in accordance with UK aviation regulations. Services required: • Transport of materials and equipment within the Lake District National Park using helicopters • Airlift operations • Load preparation (stropping, bunding) • Ground crew provision • Flight planning and risk assessment Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value) – Lot nr.: 8 Higher Value Practical Works - £50,000 and over The Authority secures frequent bids for grant money provided by national, regional and local government as well as charitable organisations and private funding organisations. This funding enables the Authority to undertake larger scale and usually multi-facetted projects or programmes of work varying in value from the high tens of thousands of pounds to the low millions of pounds. Such projects may involve delivery of one type of product or service across a range of sites throughout the park or a multi-facetted project including access, nature conservation, interpretation, and conservation of the heritage-built environment. We are looking for suppliers who can provide work at scale and across a range of areas, either directly or by acting as Primary Contractors and providing project management and delivering work through co-ordinating multiple suppliers and contractors. Examples of such work packages include the establishment of the Coast-to-Coast National Trail, barn restoration through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme and Access for All projects. The type of work is similar to that contained in Lots 1, 2, and 3 but at large scale. Services required: • General construction project work (see description) • Sub soiling • Stone flags • Pitching • Construction Design and Management work • Supply and construction of bridges • Public path works • Securing relevant consents, assents and planning permissions • Woodland Management • Grassland restoration • Riverbank Stabilization Duration contract start date : 31/03/2027 11:00:00 PM Duration contract end date : 31/03/2031 10:59:59 PM Criteria definitions: Quality: 45 (Quality) Price: 40 (Price) Quality: 15 (Social, Economic and Environmental Value)