Scope
Reference
project_60095 / itt_119233
Description
Natural Resources Wales intends to set up a Dynamic Market (DM) to secure Direct Production timber harvesting operations via thinning and clear-felling. NRW require direct labour services to provide expert felling, processing and extraction of timber to roadside to support current and future Timber Sales and Marketing Plans across the Welsh Government Woodland Estate.
Key harvesting services sought include both mechanised and motor manual felling as well as the deployment of winch machinery to deliver steep-ground working without viable mechanised felling access.
Other services required include alternative harvesting machinery such as shears and the delivery of mechanised vegetation clearance, to respond to Statutory Plant Health Notices on unmerchantable stands.
As part of early market engagement, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is inviting potential contractors to participate in our pre-market engagement (PME) activities. We are particularly interested in hearing from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the expertise to meet our requirements.
The purpose of the engagement is to gather market insight, help shape NRW's approach to developing a dynamic market for the supply of direct production harvesting services and ensure suppliers are aware of the upcoming opportunity as early as possible.
Commercial tool
Establishes a dynamic market
Total value (estimated)
- £10,000,000 excluding VAT
- £12,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2036
- 10 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 77000000 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 October 2025
Engagement process description
How to participate
Suppliers are encouraged to:
1. Register to attend a virtual briefing session on:
16 September 2025 at 14:00 hours by "Reserving a Spot" online {link to follow} or by emailing the procurement lead at naomi.hammond@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
2. Complete the "Supplier Questionnaire" {link to follow} additionally indicating whether you wish to:
a. meet the project team virtually on a 1-2-1 basis
b. meet the project team at:
i. Business Wales Expo @ Swansea Arena on 10 September 2025: the project team will be available between 10 am and 12 pm.
ii. Business Wales Expo @ Venue Cymru, Llandudno on 16 October 2025: the project team will be available between 10 am and 12 pm.
Information on 2025 Business Wales Expo and how to register is at https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blog/business-wales-expo-2025
c. Meet the project team at a face-to-face meeting with other potential bidders
The project team will consider the organisation of additional briefings, either virtual or face-to-face, individually or collectively, based on supplier interest expressed through the questionnaire and subject to staff availability.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit responses to the Supplier Questionnaire by 11:59 pm on 13 October 2025 when the Questionnaire will close.
Participation is optional and does not form part of any formal evaluation, nor will it affect a supplier's ability to participate in the future procurement.
If you encounter any issues in accessing the Questionnaire please contact the Procurement Lead at naomi.hammond@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
TIMELINES
PME Launch: 19 August 2025
Business Wales Expo @ Swansea Arena: 10 September 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm
Teams Bidder Briefing Session: 16 September 2025 at 14:00 hours
Deadline for Return of Supplier Questionnaires: 13 October 2025
Business Wales Expo at Llandudno: 16 October 2025 between 10 am and 12 pm
Additional briefings subject to interest/availability: 14 October 2025 to 31 October 2025
Conclude PME: 31 October 2025
Following conclusion of the pre-market engagement the project team will develop its requirement based on feedback provided with a view to launching the procurement on 17 February 2026.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
17 February 2026
Contracting authority
Natural Resources Wales
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBBR-3628-MPRN
Welsh Government Offices Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Naomi Hammond
Telephone: 0300 065 3574
Email: naomi.hammond@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Website: http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales