Woodland Creation on Vacant and Derelict Land - Market Engagement

Description

Please provide a detailed description of the notice you are adding: Required Information: We previously engaged the market formally in November 2021. We are now presenting more detailed proposals for comment and feedback. This market engagement exercise seeks to test the scope, the services required and the contractual arrangements that will form the basis of the tender (to be published in later summer 2022). Also, it seeks to test whether a single organisation can fulfil the role of a Lead Delivery Partner, or whether multiple organisations are required to fulfil the brief. 2. On Bravo you will find an attachment in this notice named ‘Woodland Creation on Vacant & Derelict Land contract opportunity – proposals', which outlines our proposals at this stage. We will be extending this information (before 13th May) to included further detail on the commercial elements proposed for this contract. 3. In the paper, we have proposed some indicative questions in red. This will demonstrate areas where we would welcome feedback via this RFI. When the commercial proposals have been included (before 13th May), we will be sending out an official RFI template for suppliers to return a written response to the indicative questions. 4. In addition to the written response to the RFI, the reason for publishing this PIN prior to all the information being available is to enable suppliers to note the date of a virtual supplier event, which we hope will be beneficial for suppliers to attend if interested in this opportunity. At this event, the Defra VDL project team will present the contract opportunity, as described in the ‘Woodland Creation on Vacant & Derelict Land contract opportunity – proposals' in person at an open virtual event. There will be opportunities to take questions in an open forum on all aspects of the contract at this event. 5. 1 hour slots will also be available during the w/b 23rd May, for suppliers to discuss the opportunity individually, if preferred, with the Defra project team. 6. Interested parties are encouraged to respond their desire to attend and/or their availability via email to Sam.Ralph@defra.gov.uk for: a. A three-hour presentation and discussion covering the key aspects of the VDL proposal and contractual arrangements to be held Monday 23rd May, 1.30 – 4.30 PM. This session will be recorded for those who cannot make this slot. b. Their preference for one-hour slot at the following times: i. Wednesday 25th May (2-3, 3-4, 4-5) ii. Thursday 26th May (2-3, 3-4, 4-5) iii. Friday 27th May (9-10, 10-11, 11-12) Please find the opportunity listed in Bravo following the link https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=52894 Lot 1: Our proposed contract will be seeking to deliver the following outcomes: Develop a pipeline of at least 5000 hectares of VDL by March 2024, with each site being verified through an assessment criteria provided by Defra. Plant a minimum of 2,500 hectares of new woodland on VDL between 2022/3 and 2024/5. A minimum of 500 hectares of woodland creation will be delivered in 23/24, with at least 2000 hectares planted in 24/25. 2500 hectares of VDL to be “enabled” by March 2025 Plant another 2,500 hectares of woodland on VDL from March 2025 up to March 2027, with the planting costs solely funded through third-party finance. That the design of the 5000 hectares of woodland to enable a contribution to the Nature for Climate Fund Tree Programme’s environmental, economic and social objectives: Sequestering carbon up to 2050 Improving air quality Improving biodiversity Increasing public access to woodland Improving the future financial sustainability of woodland creation Leverage a minimum of £41 million private investment to deliver a balance of quality woodland creation and quantity of hectares.