Seed Collection & Associated Services

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) intends to appoint a Framework of contracts for Seed Collection and Associated Services. The Framework will comprise Lots covering the following: - Seed Collection (Ground, Aerial and Rope Access) - Seed Extraction, Processing, Testing and Storage - Seed Supply FLS plants an estimated 25 million trees per annum across the FLS Forest Estate. Presently 28% of these trees are grown at the FLS owned Newton Nursery with the remaining 72% currently contract grown or purchased within the private nursery sector. The nursery site is currently undergoing significant expansion, and it is anticipated that output from Newton Nursery will expand from the current 28% to 65% of our requirements over the next 3-5 years. FLS also purchases a proportion of seed externally to support the production of stock from its Newton Nursery operation. However, FLS also sells a proportion of the seed it collects and that is surplus to requirements in support of the wider UK forestry sector. Purchased seed typically includes; Scots pine, Norway spruce, Douglas fir and Alaskan Lodgepole pine, with seed sold to the sector being mainly improved Sitka spruce. Seed availability and plant demand however is subject to change due to the impact of multiple unpredictable variables; e.g. unpredictable mast years or changes in felling/restocking sites, disease etc. Purchased and sold seed may also require chemical treatment to ensure protection from pests, or indeed for seed primed or coated using new innovation technologies which can help to increase germination rates. This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is intended to explore and better understand the supply base and potential contractual arrangements that would represent a best value solution for our seed operations. This means balancing cost, quality and sustainability (including innovation). Currently our nursery costs are partly offset through the income we receive through the sale of seeds into the seed market. However, through use of this PIN process, we also seek to understand whether other innovative ideas exist within the marketplace that may further offset these costs. We therefore encourage you to put forward your ideas of any innovative and alternative ways that this work could be packaged. The PIN and associated questionnaire is for information gathering and market engagement only, this is not a call for competition and response to this questionnaire will not constitute any form of contract, or commitment to contract from FLS. FLS are aware that your responses may contact commercially sensitive information pertaining to your business. FLS can confirm that any information provided will be held in strictest confidence and will be available only to the FLS team responsible for preparing this tender. No information will be divulged to any other party.