- Lot 1 (was a2XTu000000X9hFMAS). Chainsaw and Arboriculture training
- Lot 2 (was a2XTu000000X9irMAC). Confined Spaces Training
- Lot 3 (was a2XTu000000X9kTMAS). General Health and Safety Training
- Lot 4 (was a2XTu000000X9m5MAC). Heavy Plant and Machinery Training
- Lot 5 (was a2XTu000000X9nhMAC). Lifting and Winching Training
- Lot 6 (was a2XTu000000X9qvMAC). MEICA Electrical training
- Lot 7 (was a2XTu000000X9sXMAS). Site Management and Incident Response Training
- Lot 8 (was a2XTu000000X9u9MAC). Vegetation Control Training
- Lot 9 (was a2XTu000000X9vlMAC). Vocational Drivers' Training
Scope
Description
This notice is linked to the Prior Information Notice, 2024/S 000-035194, which was published on 30 October 2024: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035194-2024. The Preliminary Market Engagement event, which took place on 10 December 2024, was advertised in this Prior Information Notice. The EA wishes to put in place a training contract for 3 years with the option to extend the contract for a further two 12-month periods. The training is to ensure that staff can operate and maintain equipment safely and competently and will be split into nine lots: • Lot 1 - Chainsaw and Arboriculture • Lot 2 - Confined Spaces • Lot 3 - General Health and Safety • Lot 4 - Heavy Plant and Machinery • Lot 5 - Lifting and Winching • Lot 6 - MEICA electrical • Lot 7 - Site Management and Incident Response • Lot 8 - Vegetation Control • Lot 9 - Vocational Drivers
Total value (estimated)
- £9,906,250 excluding VAT
- £11,887,500 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 August 2025 to 10 August 2028
- Possible extension to 10 August 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
Extensions will be approved provided that the training cannot be fulfilled via the Cabinet Office's Government Skills and Curriculum Unit and will be subject to demand for courses and performance of the contract(s).
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Two 12-month extensions are possible.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 80511000 - Staff training services
- 80531200 - Technical training services
- 80560000 - Health and first-aid training services
- 80420000 - E-learning services
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
There are no limits to the number of Lots in which any one Tenderer can be awarded a Contract and if a Tenderer is successful in more than one Lot, the Authority may enter into a single Contract for all Lots awarded to that Tenderer.
Lot 1 (was a2XTu000000X9hFMAS). Chainsaw and Arboriculture training
Description
Full suite of professional standards in chainsaw operations and tree management structured across Level 2 and Level 3 awards to enable operations field teams to carry out routine maintenance and incident response activities on standing and fallen timber in all conditions. It covers foundational skills such as chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting, and the use of powered pole pruners, as well as tree felling and processing for small to large trees. In addition, specialised modules address unique operational contexts, including in-channel obstruction removal and chainsaw use on floating platforms, ensuring adaptability to diverse environmental and operational challenges.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,523,197 excluding VAT
- £1,827,836 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2 (was a2XTu000000X9irMAC). Confined Spaces Training
Description
Delivery of the suite of 6160 City and Guilds Accredited confined space entry and rescue courses (Water Based). This Lot also includes the delivery of 'Confined Space Awareness for Managers and Supervisors - R87' (similar to an Appointed Persons Course). The main audience for these courses are operational field-based staff who are required to enter confined spaces routinely. The types of confined spaces entered varies from culverts, penstocks, flow control structures, and pumping station wet wells. The R87 training is to help supervisors and managers ensure that suitable controls are in place, and for ensuring general legal compliance. The successful Tenderer(s) must have the ability to deliver on-site training via the use of a City and Guilds approved mobile entry simulator.
Lot value (estimated)
- £121,212 excluding VAT
- £145,454 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3 (was a2XTu000000X9kTMAS). General Health and Safety Training
Description
A general Lot that focuses on equipping individuals with the technical skills and safety knowledge required for a range of operational tasks. Key areas include safe digging practices under EUSR standards, with novice and refresher courses to locate and manage utility services effectively. Other safety-oriented courses cover the use and inspection of fall arrest harnesses, ladders, scaffold towers, and working-at-height equipment. Training on hand tools, circular and band saws, and abrasive wheels ensures competence in handling both manual and power-driven equipment.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,216,210 excluding VAT
- £1,459,452 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4 (was a2XTu000000X9m5MAC). Heavy Plant and Machinery Training
Description
Delivery of a wide range of training covering the use of heavy plant and machinery including for use in construction and agricultural operations as well as to support the organisations operational and response work. The primary audience for this Lot is Environment Agency Field Operations staff with the purpose to enable them to operate heavy plant and machinery to a safe, effective and efficient standard to deliver their assigned work.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,521,409 excluding VAT
- £1,825,691 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5 (was a2XTu000000X9nhMAC). Lifting and Winching Training
Description
Delivery of training covering lifting and winching including during agricultural and forestry operations as well as to support the organisations operational and response work. The primary audience for this Lot is Environment Agency Field Operations staff with the purpose to enable them to safely and efficiently deliver lifting and winching operations to undertake their assigned work.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,304,824 excluding VAT
- £1,565,789 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6 (was a2XTu000000X9qvMAC). MEICA Electrical training
Description
The MEICA electrical Lot comprises of the following training courses: 1) Electrical Safety (General) - 2-day face to face course 2) Electrical Safety for the Management of Electrical Work - 2-day face to face course 3) Electrical Safety for Environmental Monitoring Teams - 1-day virtual course 4) Electrical Safety for Environmental Monitoring Teams, Wiring, Installation and Testing. 2-day practical face to face 5) Extra low voltage generation and battery storage - 1-2-day face to face
Lot value (estimated)
- £168,643 excluding VAT
- £202,372 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 7 (was a2XTu000000X9sXMAS). Site Management and Incident Response Training
Description
This Lot covers a broad spectrum of safety, operational, and maintenance skills including several levels of training for the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) in Signing, Lighting, and Guarding for both operatives and supervisors. Additionally, there are specialised courses such as Pollution Response Training, Vehicle Marshalling, and practical training in deployment of Temporary Barriers and Small Pumps. These programs aim to equip individuals with hands-on experience and the necessary knowledge to handle site-specific challenges effectively. It also includes provision of safety-focused certifications like the Site Managers Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) for novices, and Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) as well as a bespoke course for hazard awareness and risk assessment. This course is designed to improve the participants' ability to identify risks and manage safety in complex work environments, ensuring a safer and more efficient approach to operations and maintenance.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,248,821 excluding VAT
- £1,498,585 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8 (was a2XTu000000X9u9MAC). Vegetation Control Training
Description
A Lot covering a wide range of equipment used for vegetation management. Courses include the operation and maintenance of various plant utilised for vegetation management, including low gravity mowers, pedestrian and ride-on mowers, and Robomowers. The lot also covers heavier duty plant such as tractor-mounted flail cutters, front-end loaders, and weed-cutting boats. As a multi discipline Lot, we are also looking to cover hand tools such as brushcutters & hedge trimmers as well as more niche activities like stump grinders, woodchippers and chemical control including pesticide plugs, stem injection, and pesticide spraying certification. Novice and Refresher courses are required for each topic, to develop foundation knowledge in new staff, as well as testing that knowledge and competency on a 3 or 5-year refresher cycle.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,995,608 excluding VAT
- £2,394,730 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 9 (was a2XTu000000X9vlMAC). Vocational Drivers' Training
Description
To deliver National (international not required) Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) training in blocks of seven hours either remotely or in a classroom environment at one of our premises. One of these blocks can be e-learning. Demountable body for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) novice and refresher courses. (multi-lift - Hook loader vehicle) - This training should be approved to count as DCPC hours through the successful Tenderer(s). Mounted Hydraulic Operated Crane (Novice & Refresher) (Attachments). This training should be approved to count as DCPC hours through the successful Tenderer(s). Plant Loader securer (Novice/Refresher) - This training should be approved to count as DCPC hours through the successful Tenderer(s). Plant Mover - This training should be approved to count as DCPC hours through the successful Tenderer(s). Online Toolbox talks - Delivery (monthly) through an online platform with assessments. To maintain HGV drivers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) outside of DCPC and in line with the requirements of the Traffic Commissioner. This forms part of operator licence compliance and assists us with the accreditation of our Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Earned Recognition award. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) - For staff who do not hold a C, C1, C1E or C+E driving licence category and are required to drive our 4.25t Electric Vans (EV) must complete the required 5 hours of training designed to equip category B licence holders with the knowledge and skills required to operate zero emission vehicles weighing up to 4.25t. The primary audience for this Lot is Environment Agency Field Operations teams.
Lot value (estimated)
- £806,326 excluding VAT
- £967,591 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1 (was a2XTu000000X9hFMAS). Chainsaw and Arboriculture training
Lot 2 (was a2XTu000000X9irMAC). Confined Spaces Training
Lot 3 (was a2XTu000000X9kTMAS). General Health and Safety Training
Lot 4 (was a2XTu000000X9m5MAC). Heavy Plant and Machinery Training
Lot 5 (was a2XTu000000X9nhMAC). Lifting and Winching Training
Lot 6 (was a2XTu000000X9qvMAC). MEICA Electrical training
Lot 7 (was a2XTu000000X9sXMAS). Site Management and Incident Response Training
Lot 8 (was a2XTu000000X9u9MAC). Vegetation Control Training
Lot 9 (was a2XTu000000X9vlMAC). Vocational Drivers' Training
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
14 April 2025, 12:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
6 May 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome Any questions, requests to participate or tender submissions must be submitted electronically via this portal.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
23 July 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 February 2030
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Evaluation | Quality | 50.00% |
| Commercial Evaluation | Cost | 40.00% |
| Social Value Evaluation | Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
This Competitive Flexible Procedure will not use a down-select stage but will use a supplementary process of a Preferred Supplier Stage with the winning tenderer(s). This will be used to clarify and confirm commitments made in the tender(s), address any weaknesses in the submission and discuss economies of scale if a tenderer has been successful in more than one Lot. Please note that any modifications will not result in anything that would have the effect of altering the award outcome. This stage will consist of a meeting on Teams of about an hour between the Tenderer's and the Authority's representatives. The Authority reserves the right not to conduct this stage for each Lot if it feels that the discussions detailed above are not required.
Contracting authority
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNWW-1475-NYLN
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Defra group Commercial will manage this procurement on behalf of the Environment Agency.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Defra group Commercial
Region: UKI32 - Westminster