CP2528-24 Maintenance and Improvement of Public Rights of Way Framework 2025 - 2029

This Framework Agreement is to provide maintenance and improvement works and technical support for approximately 5 000 km of Public Rights of Way (comprising footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways), 230 km of off-road recreational trail network (for example, the Tarka Trail) and 590 km of minor road network (mainly unmetalled) including the South West Coast Path National Trial for which it is responsible along with the areas covered by the Stover Country Park and Grand Western Canal Country Park or other land requiring works. The framework agreement will operate over a 4-year period commencing 1st April 2025 and expiring on 31st March 2029 (with a break clause at the Authority's discretion to close the arrangement at the end of year 2)

The Framework Agreement may also be used by local partners such as Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities, and parish and town councils to maintain some or all of the public rights of way within their respective boundaries under an Agency

DCC wishes to appoint a multiple of appropriately skilled and competent contractors to the framework agreement who can be called upon to undertake the maintenance and improvement works up to an approximate value of £100,000 per scheme and technical support for discrete activities to an estimated value of upto £10,000. Some of these works may be undertaken by landowners, volunteers and/or DCC staff therefore contractors appointed to the arrangement do not have exclusivity in undertaking such works. The framework will cover eight geographical sub areas throughout the administrative area of the Authority (based on District Council Boundaries as shown in Schedule 1) and comprises lots as follows:

Lot 1: Work Activities which will include Vegetation Clearance and Typical Maintenance and Improvement Activities (Service Group A). and Work Activities involving the use of Chainsaw Equipment including Tree Works (up to 380 mm diameter and ground based works only) (Service Group B).

Lot 2: Work Activities which will include more extensive works such as path surfacing, drainage and bridge installation, involving the use of heavier machinery and equipment (Service Groups C and D)

Lot 3: Work Activities requiring technical expertise such as path inspections (planned and reactive), applying for permits and permissions (e.g., planning consent, and environmental permits), and assessing proposals for and drafting of path orders.

The historic annual spend for this type of work has been approximately GBP 1.5 million with historic average value of individual works orders being approximately £2,700.

Additional information: The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk