Find a TenderAwarded
Published 29 Jun 2021, 14:45 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Plant Supply (including Cell-Grown)

Official notice

Authority: Forestry and Land Scotland (Central government)·Consortium: 2 public authorities

16 lotsGoodsOpen procedureSME suitable
Published estimate£72,255,000total for 16 lots · 1 value update
Submissions closed 2 Oct 2023awarded 16 Apr 2024
Awarded to Maelor Forest Nurseries Limited +6 more10 awards

What is being bought16 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

Forestry and Land Scotland (the Purchaser) look after the national forests and land to enhance biodiversity, support tourism and increase access to the green spaces that will help improve Scotland’s physical and mental health and well-being. The Purchaser also continues to provide vital timber supplies to support a sustainable rural economy. Further information on who the Purchaser is and what it does can be found here –

forestryandland.gov.scot ↗

The Purchaser requires an estimated 25 million trees per annum. The Purchaser owns one forest nursery in Scotland, which supplies planting material for planting and restocking on the public forest estate in Scotland. The nursery has a total capacity to currently produce up to 7 million transplants each year.

These contracts cover the remainder of demand required by the Purchaser, who have successfully appointed suitably qualified suppliers for procure forestry stock from. This includes bare-root and cell-grown broadleaves and conifers (Lots 1-15) for which the Supplier will be required to source seed, and tree seedlings (Lot 16) for which the Purchaser will provide seed to the Service Provider.

  • Recurrence: August 2032

CPV: Horticultural and nursery products · Horticultural products · Plants · Trees

Lots and requirements (16)Procurement structure

16 lots · no lot values published · evaluation weights differ by lot
Lot #1Bare-Root Broadleaves (40% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root broadleaves, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 40% of the total annual allocation (approx. 372,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #2Bare-Root Broadleaves (30% Volume)CancelledRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root broadleaves, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 30% of the total annual allocation (approx. 279,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #3Bare-Root Broadleaves (20% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root broadleaves, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 20% of the total annual allocation (approx. 186,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #4Bare-Root Broadleaves (10% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root broadleaves, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 10% of the total annual allocation (approx. 93,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #5Bare-Root Conifers (30% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 30% of the total annual allocation (approx. 3,915,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #6Bare-Root Conifers (25% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 25% of the total annual allocation (approx. 3,263,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #7Bare-Root Conifers (20% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 20% of the total annual allocation (approx. 2,610,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #8Bare-Root Conifers (15% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 15% of the total annual allocation (approx. 1,958,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #9Bare-Root Conifers (10% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of bare-root conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 10% of the total annual allocation (approx. 1,305,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #10Cell Grown Broadleaves (50% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of cell-grown broadleaves, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 50% of the total annual allocation (approx. 250,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #11Cell-Grown Broadleaves (30% Volume)AwardedRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of cell-grown broadleaves, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 30% of the total annual allocation (approx. 150,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #12Cell-Grown Broadleaves (20% Volume)CancelledRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of cell-grown broadleaves, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 20% of the total annual allocation (approx. 100,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #13Cell-Grown Conifers (50% Volume)CancelledRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of cell-grown conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 50% of the total annual allocation (approx. 300,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #14Cell-Grown Conifers (30% Volume)CancelledRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of cell-grown conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 30% of the total annual allocation (approx. 180,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #15Cell-Grown Conifers (20% Volume)CancelledRenewal

The requirement provides for the supply and delivery of cell-grown conifers, to locations across Scotland. The requirement is divided into core and non-core species and class sizes of 18-30cm and 31-50cm. The requirement also provides for plant protection (as necessary) and the option for plastic-free containers or equivalent. This Lot covers 20% of the total annual allocation (approx. 120,000 plants per annum).

Delivery: Scotland
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 72 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 108 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #16Tree Seedling Supply, Transplanting and MaintenanceCancelledRenewal

The requirement provides to the supply of seedlings, sown into an appropriate compost filled cell, transplanting and maintenance at Newton Nursery in North East Scotland. Transplanting and maintenance shall include the supply, installation, maintenance and removal of a drip irrigation system. The Purchaser will provide sufficient quantities of seed to the Supplier for sowing

Delivery: Scotland · Newton Nursery, Nairn.
Extensions: The contract shall be awarded on an initial basis of 60 months with the option to extend by a further 36 months, solely at the discretion of the Purchaser. The contract shall not exceed 96 months.Variant bids: not allowed

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
Conditions of participation1
  • Economic & financial standing

    It is a requirement of this Contract that bidders hold, or can commit to obtain prior to the commencement of the Contract, the types and levels of insurance indicated below:

    Minimum: Employer’s (Compulsory) Liability Insurance = 5,000,000 GBP Public Liability Insurance = 5,000,000 GBP Product Liability Insurance = 2,000,000 GBP Goods in Transit Insurance = 2,000,000 GBP
What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 60 points on every lot: a 10% discount moves about 6 points.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record · publisher note attached
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)
Procurement category
Goods
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Stand-alone contract (no framework)
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Yes · August 2032
First published
29 Jun 2021, 14:45 BST
Last source update
17 Apr 2024, 16:39 BST
Award evaluation window
2 Oct 2023 – …
Authority reference
C0225
FTS notice number
2024/S 000-012554
Classification (CPV)
Horticultural and nursery productsHorticultural productsPlantsTrees
Delivery area
Scotland (UKM)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-02c167 Find a Tender
Contract terms
Electronic trading
e-invoicing allowed · electronic ordering · electronic payment
Performance terms

A suite of Key Performance indications, for Lots 1-15 and Lot 16, are contained within the procurement documents.

Review and risk notes
Review procedure

An economic operator that suffers, or is at risk of suffering, loss or damage attributable to a breach of duty under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 or the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, may bring proceedings in the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.

Publisher note: Although the value of the Contract (Lots 1-16) has been estimated in the range of 65,000,000.00 GBP to 75,000,000.00 GBP, the Purchaser may modify the Contract, irrespective of the monetary value of those modifications, within the scope permitted under Regulation 72 (1) and specifically Regulation 72 1(a) of The Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, should operational reasons require it. Actual requirements can vary due to changes in (for example); - Increased budget to cope with an increase in requirements (Reg 72 1(a)) - Increased costs in excess of the contractual price review mechanisms due to fluctuating market conditions, on the production of evidence from the Supplier and approval of the Purchaser. Expansion of production within the Purchaser nursery (Reg 72 1(a)) - Biotic damaging factors: higher than anticipated levels of mammal, weevil infestation and damage, unanticipated levels of weed competition or nonacceptable tree species regeneration competing with transplanted trees (Reg 72 1(a)) - Abiotic damaging factors: unseasonal cold or hot spells shortly after planting causing higher than anticipated levels of plant morality (Reg 72 1(a)) - Unexplained levels of plant morality not associated with poor plant handling practices or poor planting practice (Reg 72 1( (SC Ref:764017)

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: Public Contracts Scotland · Who buys & how to bid on PCS
Supplier login requiredLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free single registration for Scotland; PCS-Tender (Jaggaer) for full bidding

Tender documents are also served through a separate tool: http://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk ↗

Submission deadline
2 Oct 2023, 12:00 BST
Submission channel
{"electronicSubmission"}
Accepted languages
en
Bid validity
120 days from the deadline
Bids opened
2 Oct 2023, 12:00 BST
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Timeline

24 Jan 2022 → 17 Apr 2024 · 4 dates
  1. Next notice expected
    24 Jan 2022
  2. Submission deadline
    2 Oct 2023, 12:00 BST
  3. Bids opened
    2 Oct 2023, 12:00 BST
  4. Notice published
    17 Apr 2024, 16:39 BST

Notice history

6 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 29 Aug 2023
  1. Published value published: £72,255,000
    29 Aug 2023, 15:33 BST
  2. Status changed to active
    29 Aug 2023, 15:33 BST
  3. Procurement method changed
    29 Aug 2023, 15:33 BST
  4. Deadline published: 2 Oct 2023, 12:00 BST
    29 Aug 2023, 15:33 BST
  5. Buyer details updated
    29 Aug 2023, 15:33 BST
  6. Status changed to complete
    17 Apr 2024, 16:39 BST

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Awards 16
Awarded value £70,255,13116 contracts exc. VAT
Bids received 9191 from SMEs
Contracts signed 16latest 16 Apr 2024

6 further award records carry no date or value.

Contracts

  • Bare-Root Broadleaves (40% Volume) · Maelor Forest Nurseries LimitedSME

    Signed
    16 Apr 2024
    Value
    £1,631,335
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Conifers (30% Volume) · Maelor Forest Nurseries LimitedSME

    Signed
    16 Apr 2024
    Value
    £11,112,447
    Status
    active
  • Cell-Grown Broadleaves (20% Volume)

    Signed
    16 Apr 2024
    Value
    £863,595
    Status
    active
  • Cell-Grown Conifers (20% Volume)

    Signed
    16 Apr 2024
    Value
    £1,164,705
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Broadleaves (10% Volume) · ALBA TREES LTDSME

    Signed
    15 Apr 2024
    Value
    £407,834
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Conifers (15% Volume) · ALBA TREES LTDSME

    Signed
    15 Apr 2024
    Value
    £5,556,224
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Conifers (20% Volume) · Trees Please LtdSME

    Signed
    9 Apr 2024
    Value
    £7,408,298
    Status
    active
  • Cell-Grown Conifers (30% Volume)

    Signed
    9 Apr 2024
    Value
    £1,747,057
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Broadleaves (20% Volume) · Christies (Fochabers) LimitedSME

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £815,667
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Conifers (25% Volume) · Christies (Fochabers) LimitedSME

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £9,260,373
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Conifers (10% Volume) · Christie-Elite NurseriesSME

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £3,704,149
    Status
    active
  • Cell Grown Broadleaves (50% Volume) · Cheviot TreesSME

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £2,158,990
    Status
    active
  • Cell-Grown Broadleaves (30% Volume) · Black Isle Timber Harvesting LimitedSME

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £1,295,394
    Status
    active
  • Cell-Grown Conifers (50% Volume)

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £2,911,762
    Status
    active
  • Tree Seedling Supply, Transplanting and Maintenance

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £18,993,800
    Status
    active
  • Bare-Root Broadleaves (30% Volume)

    Signed
    8 Apr 2024
    Value
    £1,223,501
    Status
    active

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · Bare-Root Broadleaves (40% Volume)7bids · 7 electronic · 7 from abroad7——
2 · Bare-Root Broadleaves (30% Volume)7bids · 7 electronic · 7 from abroad7——
3 · Bare-Root Broadleaves (20% Volume)6bids · 6 electronic · 6 from abroad6——
4 · Bare-Root Broadleaves (10% Volume)6bids · 6 electronic · 6 from abroad6——
5 · Bare-Root Conifers (30% Volume)4bids · 4 electronic · 4 from abroad4——
6 · Bare-Root Conifers (25% Volume)4bids · 4 electronic · 4 from abroad4——
7 · Bare-Root Conifers (20% Volume)5bids · 5 electronic · 5 from abroad5——
8 · Bare-Root Conifers (15% Volume)5bids · 5 electronic · 5 from abroad5——
9 · Bare-Root Conifers (10% Volume)5bids · 5 electronic · 5 from abroad5——
10 · Cell Grown Broadleaves (50% Volume)6bids · 6 electronic · 6 from abroad6——
11 · Cell-Grown Broadleaves (30% Volume)8bids · 8 electronic · 8 from abroad8——
12 · Cell-Grown Broadleaves (20% Volume)8bids · 8 electronic · 8 from abroad8——
13 · Cell-Grown Conifers (50% Volume)5bids · 5 electronic · 5 from abroad5——
14 · Cell-Grown Conifers (30% Volume)6bids · 6 electronic · 6 from abroad6——
15 · Cell-Grown Conifers (20% Volume)8bids · 8 electronic · 8 from abroad8——
16 · Tree Seedling Supply, Transplanting and Maintenance1bids · 1 electronic · 1 from abroad1——

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

2 public bodies on the notice

Forestry and Land Scotland

Contracting authorityCentral GovernmentBody governed by public lawEnvironmental protection Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, Scotland, IV3 8NWContact email, phone Published organisation website ↗

Dispute resolution & review bodies

  • Court of SessionReview contact point EdinburghContact email, phone
  • The Inverness Justice CentreReview body InvernessContact email, phone

Bidders & participating suppliers

10 commercial parties on the notice

Official documents & specifications (1)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

  • Technical selection criteriatenderTechnical selection criteria