Woodland Creation on Vacant and Derelict Land - Market Engagement

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.

You will find an attachment on Bravo within the RFI named 'Woodland Creation on Vacant & Derelict Land - Request for Information - Proposals', which outlines our proposals at this stage.

3.

In the paper, we have set out questions in red.

This will demonstrate areas where we would welcome feedback via this RFI.

You will find attached to this opportunity a questionnaire which can be used to send in written responses to this questions if desired.

The deadline for written responses is Friday 10th June.

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) 7.

During the one-hour slots, only questions asked of Defra, and their responses, will be shared publicly as part of this market engagement (excluding any information deemed commercially confident).

8.

All feedback, questions and challenges received from the written RFI, the supplier event on the 23rd May, and the individual slots, will be considered in decision regarding the final design of this novel contract, and the most appropriate route to market.

9.

Thank you in anticipation of your engagement.