Third Cycle of the Field Data Collection Survey for the National Forest Inventory (NFI) of Great Britain.

Survey work for the third 5-year cycle of field data collection for the National Forest Inventory (NFI) of Great Britain

The NFI programme monitors woodland and trees within Great Britain. It involves a 5-year cycle, rolling programme of in-depth surveys designed to provide accurate information about the size, distribution, composition and condition of GB’s forests and woodlands, and also about the changes taking place through time. The NFI is essential for developing and monitoring the policies and guidance that support the sustainable management of forest and woodland. Forest Research manages the NFI programme and is responsible for this procurement

Procurement of a non-exclusive, multi-Lot, multi-supplier framework agreement for forest surveying services covering, in the main, the 3rd 5-year cycle of NFI field data collection. Under this framework the intention is to re-survey at least 10,000 1st & 2nd cycle 1-hectare sample squares but there will also be a volume of new sample squares to be assessed and significant, but as yet unquantified, woodland survey work in England relating to the Natural Capital Ecosystem Accounts programme, plus possible reactive, ad hoc survey work (e.g. in response to storm damage or disease).

The framework covers the whole of GB and is broken down into 108 individual geographical-based hexagon-shaped Lots (most of comparable size and approximately 36 miles across at the widest point – see map of Lots along with the Field Manual summary document here www.dropbox.com/sh/akroyfcvzdipqh0/A… ↗ ), offering potential opportunities for work for the full range of experienced surveyors and forestry specialists, small and large, from sole traders to multinationals.

Suppliers will be required to tender for at least 3 Lots. Where there are multiple bids for the same Lot, multiple suppliers may be allocated to that Lot on a ranked basis based on the tender assessment, with the 1st ranked supplier being the primary supplier for that Lot. Suppliers will only be appointed to the framework if they have been successful in being assessed as primary in 3 or more Lots. Each primary supplier will be awarded the work within their given Lots and a forward work schedule agreed with them. Framework suppliers will be considered for ad hoc survey work in areas that are covered by their Lots and, depending on the nature of the work, it will be carried out at framework rates or for a quoted price.

NFI survey contractors will gather a variety of information, such as tree species, heights and ages, and the woodland area within each 1-ha sample square. They will also input the survey results data and information directly into a Forest Research geo database programme (part of 'Forester GIS', details here www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/… ↗), for which training and software-loaded hardware (Toughbooks) will be provided by Forest Research.

The NFI Survey Manual provides the detailed specification for the work required and appointed suppliers will be required to comply with the Manual in delivering the survey services. Suppliers considering expressing an interest in this framework are urged to first familiarise themselves with the requirements of the NFI Survey Manual contained in the summary document.

The tendering process for this procurement will involve mandatory field trials. The field trials will test the candidates’ knowledge and understanding relevant to the competencies needed to successfully undertake the survey work. The trials, which will be conducted during the tendering period, will be carried out in the field or possibly on-line, if necessary. Tenderers will be required to make themselves available for the field trials and at least one representative of the tenderer must pass the mandatory field test in order for its tender submission to be considered for evaluation. Additional information: To respond to this opportunity please click here: www.dropbox.com/sh/akroyfcvzdipqh0/A… ↗