Tender

ID 6292545 – DAERA – Forest Service – Composite Forestry Operations Framework

  • DAERA - Forest Service

UK4: Tender notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-084199

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-05f8b1

Published 18 December 2025, 10:24am



Scope

Reference

ID 6292545

Description

DAERA Forest Service are seeking to establish a Framework Agreement to appoint a list of Suppliers to carry out various services across Forest Service sites in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) will also use Lots 7-9.

Other Departments or branches of DAERA for example College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Commercial tool

Establishes a framework

Total value (estimated)

  • £950,000 excluding VAT
  • £1,140,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 2 March 2026 to 1 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 1 March 2030
  • 4 years

Description of possible extension:

There is one option to extend for any period up to 2 years.

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 45342000 - Erection of fencing
  • 77000000 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services
  • 77200000 - Forestry services
  • 77231000 - Forestry management services
  • 77231200 - Forest pest control services
  • 77231300 - Forest administration services
  • 77312000 - Weed-clearance services
  • 77312100 - Weed-killing services

Contract locations

  • UKN - Northern Ireland

Lot 1. Lot 1 - Chemical Application - Down/Armagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Supplier/s to carry out chemical application to control weevils or herbaceous vegetation on forest establishment sites in Down/Armagh. Other Departments or branches of DAERA for example, The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £66,000 excluding VAT
  • £79,200 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 2. Lot 2 - Chemical Application - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Supplier/s to carry out chemical application to control weevils or herbaceous vegetation on forest establishment sites in Tyrone/Fermanagh. Other Departments or branches of DAERA for example, The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £66,000 excluding VAT
  • £79,200 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 3. Lot 3 - Chemical Application - Antrim/Derry

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Supplier/s to carry out chemical application to control weevils or herbaceous vegetation on forest establishment sites in Antrim/Derry. Other Departments or branches of DAERA for example, The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £66,000 excluding VAT
  • £79,200 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 4. Lot 4 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Down/Armagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Supplier/s to measure sample plots across Forest Service forests in Down/Armagh. Other Departments or Branches of DAERA for example, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract

Lot value (estimated)

  • £13,000 excluding VAT
  • £15,600 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 5. Lot 5 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Supplier/s to measure sample plots across Forest Service forests in Tyrone/Fermanagh. Other Departments or Branches of DAERA for example, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract

Lot value (estimated)

  • £13,000 excluding VAT
  • £15,600 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 6. Lot 6 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Antrim/Derry

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Supplier/s to measure sample plots across Forest Service forests in Antrim/Derry. Other Departments or Branches of DAERA for example, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £13,000 excluding VAT
  • £15,600 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 7. Lot 7 - Fencing - Down/Armagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Suppliers to carry out work associated with Forest Service boundaries, the removal of plastic tree shelters and metal rods, the insertion of silt traps, culvert management, and general site maintenance in Down/Armagh.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) also has a need for these services, and their requirement has been included within these Lots. Other Departments or Branches of DAERA for example, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £186,000 excluding VAT
  • £223,200 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 8. Lot 8 - Fencing - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Suppliers to carry out work associated with Forest Service boundaries, the removal of plastic tree shelters and metal rods, the insertion of silt traps, culvert management, and general site maintenance in Tyrone/Fermanagh

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) also has a need for these services, and their requirement has been included within these Lots. Other Departments or Branches of DAERA for example, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £186,000 excluding VAT
  • £223,200 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 9. Lot 9 - Fencing - Antrim/Derry

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Suppliers to carry out work associated with Forest Service boundaries, the removal of plastic tree shelters and metal rods, the insertion of silt traps, culvert management, and general site maintenance in Antrim/Derry.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) also has a need for these services, and their requirement has been included within these Lots. Other Departments or Branches of DAERA for example, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) reserve the right to join during the period of the contract.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £186,000 excluding VAT
  • £223,200 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 10. Lot 10 - Hand Weeding - Down/Armagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Suppliers to hand weed competing vegetation from restock trees and afforestation sites in Down/Armagh.

The aim is to achieve an even distribution of weed free trees at 2m x 2m spacing or to create a weed free area to allow the planting of new trees.

Sites were previously mounded, brash raked, ripped or had no ground preparation.

Sites will typically have heavy grass, briars, tall rushes or bracken that are damaging the restock and afforestation trees.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £40,000 excluding VAT
  • £48,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 11. Lot 11 - Hand Weeding - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Suppliers to hand weed competing vegetation from restock trees and afforestation sites in Tyrone/Fermanagh.

The aim is to achieve an even distribution of weed free trees at 2m x 2m spacing or to create a weed free area to allow the planting of new trees.

Sites were previously mounded, brash raked, ripped or had no ground preparation.

Sites will typically have heavy grass, briars, tall rushes or bracken that are damaging the restock and afforestation trees.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £40,000 excluding VAT
  • £48,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Lot 12. Lot 12 - Hand Weeding - Antrim/Derry

Description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) /Forest Service wish to establish a Framework of Suppliers to hand weed competing vegetation from restock trees and afforestation sites in Antrim/Derry.

The aim is to achieve an even distribution of weed free trees at 2m x 2m spacing or to create a weed free area to allow the planting of new trees.

Sites were previously mounded, brash raked, ripped or had no ground preparation.

Sites will typically have heavy grass, briars, tall rushes or bracken that are damaging the restock and afforestation trees.

Lot value (estimated)

  • £40,000 excluding VAT
  • £48,000 including VAT

Framework lot values may be shared with other lots

Same for all lots

CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.


Framework

Maximum number of suppliers

Unlimited

Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers

0%

Framework operation description

The term of framework will be 2 years, with one option to extend by any period up to 2 Years.

This framework will operate as below:

For each Lot, up to 6 Suppliers will be placed on a ranked call-off list which will be used by the Buyer. These Suppliers will be ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th based on the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) being the 1st ranked.

When a work package need arises in a Lot, the Supplier ranked 1st on the list will be given the opportunity to confirm that they can provide it at their contracted cost.

The Supplier ranked 2nd will be required to deliver in the event of:

1. Supplier 1 having a Conflict of Interest or not having capacity to deliver the work package within the specified required timeframe and operational constraints set by Forest Service; or

2. Supplier 1 not accepting the offer of work for whatever reason, or not responding to the offer of work within 2 working days; or

3. Supplier 1 having been removed from the call-off list.

The Supplier ranked 3rd will be required to deliver in the event of:

1. Supplier 2 having a Conflict of Interest or not having capacity to deliver the training within the specified required timeframe and operational constraints set by Forest Service; or

2. Supplier 2 not accepting the offer of work for whatever reason, or not responding to the offer of work within 2 working days: or

3. Supplier 2 having been removed from the call-off list.

This process will continue until the list is exhausted. The next work package will again be offered to the Supplier ranked 1st even if they did not accept the previous assignment.

Full Details on the Call-Off Procedure can be found in "ID 6292545 - Terms and Conditions for Framework Arrangements".

Award method when using the framework

Without competition

Contracting authorities that may use the framework

Establishing party only


Participation

Technical ability conditions of participation

Lot 1. Lot 1 - Chemical Application - Down/Armagh

Lot 2. Lot 2 - Chemical Application - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 3. Lot 3 - Chemical Application - Antrim/Derry

TA1 - Company Experience

TA2 - Health and Safety Policy Statement

TA3 - First Aid + F (Forestry)

TA4 - Training Qualifications - Pesticides

Lot 4. Lot 4 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Down/Armagh

Lot 5. Lot 5 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 6. Lot 6 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Antrim/Derry

TA1 - Company Experience

TA2 - Health and Safety Policy Statement

TA3 - First Aid + F (Forestry)

Lot 7. Lot 7 - Fencing - Down/Armagh

Lot 8. Lot 8 - Fencing - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 9. Lot 9 - Fencing - Antrim/Derry

Lot 10. Lot 10 - Hand Weeding - Down/Armagh

Lot 11. Lot 11 - Hand Weeding - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 12. Lot 12 - Hand Weeding - Antrim/Derry

TA1 - Company Experience

TA2 - Health and Safety Policy Statement

TA3 - First Aid + F (Forestry)

TA4 - Training Qualification - ATV Training/Licensing

Particular suitability

Lot 1. Lot 1 - Chemical Application - Down/Armagh

Lot 2. Lot 2 - Chemical Application - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 3. Lot 3 - Chemical Application - Antrim/Derry

Lot 4. Lot 4 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Down/Armagh

Lot 5. Lot 5 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 6. Lot 6 - Survey and Plot Data Collection - Antrim/Derry

Lot 7. Lot 7 - Fencing - Down/Armagh

Lot 8. Lot 8 - Fencing - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 9. Lot 9 - Fencing - Antrim/Derry

Lot 10. Lot 10 - Hand Weeding - Down/Armagh

Lot 11. Lot 11 - Hand Weeding - Tyrone/Fermanagh

Lot 12. Lot 12 - Hand Weeding - Antrim/Derry

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Submission

Enquiry deadline

16 January 2026, 3:00pm

Tender submission deadline

26 January 2026, 3:00pm

Submission address and any special instructions

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the relevant Call for Tender (CfT) opportunity on eTendersNI, website details immediately below.

Paper submissions will not be accepted or considered and will be rejected by the Contracting Authority / Buyer.

The tender documents are available with unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at: URL https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps

Tenders may be submitted electronically

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

English

Award decision date (estimated)

16 February 2026


Award criteria

This table displays the award criteria of the lot
Name Description Type
AC1 - Managing Health and Safety

This is a Pass/Fail Criterion with 0 Percent Weighting.

Quality
AC2 - Sustainability

This is a Pass/Fail Criterion with 0 Percent Weighting.

Quality
AC3 - Compliance with all the Requirements set out in the Specification

This is a Pass/Fail Criterion with 0 Percent Weighting.

Quality
AC4 - Contract Management

This is a Scored Criterion with 10% Weighting.

Quality
AC5 - Total Cost

90% Weighting

Cost

Weighting description

The weighting for this tender will be split as below:

10 Percent Qualitative - 90 Percent Quantitative

This competition also includes a number of Mandatory Requirement Award Criterion which will be scored on a Pass/Fail basis. Please refer to the Instructions to Tender document for further information on all criteria.


Other information

Payment terms

For further details on invoicing procedures please see : https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/ar ticles/account-ni-good-invoicing-practice

Applicable trade agreements

  • Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes


Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure


Contracting authority

DAERA - Forest Service

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHJH-3999-HVRY

Inishkeen House, Killyhevlin

Enniskillen

BT74 4EJ

United Kingdom

Region: UKN0G - Fermanagh and Omagh

Organisation type: Public authority - central government

Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland


Other organisation

These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.

CPD - Supplies & Services Division

Summary of their role in this procurement: Construction and Procurement Delivery - Supplies and Services Division, is a Centre of Procurement Expertise and provides a central procurement function for central government in Northern Ireland

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWG-8426-YWXV

Clare House, 303 Airport Road West

Belfast

BT3 9ED

United Kingdom

Region: UKN06 - Belfast


Contact organisation

Contact CPD - Supplies & Services Division for any enquiries.