CONTRACTORS could secure a future tender as part of efforts to restore peatland. 

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is now surveying contractors to help it scope out the range and capacity of the sector ahead of work beginning next year. 

With an official tender likely to open in November, FLS officials say they are keen to understand the size, scope, and future aspirations of the marketplace.

Jo Ellis, head of planning and environment for FLS, said: “We are looking to find out, both from existing and potential suppliers, about the services they can offer, their capacity, preferred work locations, pricing mechanisms and so on will help us to better plan our future operations.

“This information enables us to plan and build strategic working relationships with contractors, so we would encourage anyone who has/is developing these skills and services to respond to the survey.”

FLS has published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) that will help it gather information, as well as to identify fresh approaches, or innovations. It is not a call for competition or a contract, officials say, and not responding to the PIN will not disadvantage suppliers who bid for contracts as they are published.

It is anticipated that the new tender will be published around November 2022 with contracts awarded in April 2023.

Keen to work with contractors that are committed to delivering multiple simultaneous operations, FLS chiefs say they might consider offering contracts that involve a package of work on sites, including both tree removal and re-wetting.

Anyone interested in finding out more can join an supplier session online on Tuesday, September 6, at 11am or on Wednesday, September 7, at 11am. Anyone who would like to attend should contact procurement@forestryandland.gov.scot FAO Laura Harkins.

Help for suppliers with public sector tendering is available through the Scottish Government`s Supplier Journey and the Supplier Development Programme.