Supply of Specialist Land Reclamation Advisory Services.

Descriptions

We will be awarding a Framework Agreement for the provision of advisory services to support Forestry Commission Scotland with the planning and implementation of land reclamation projects within the Central Scotland area. Scottish Canals and Central Scotland Forest Trust also have the option to call off from this Framework Agreement during the framework term.The successful contractor will be required to respond at short notice to requests for technical support which may include site visits and the analysis or creation of technical documents. The ability to work to tight deadlines is essential.Due to the complex and technical nature of the work being undertaken it is important that contractors have a proven track record in the land regeneration sector including direct experience of the implementation and management of a wide range of land reclamation techniques associated to Sustainable Forest Management.In general work to be delivered under this framework will require a suppler who has the competence and technical ability:— To identify the type, extent, thickness and intrinsic properties of soil resources including Soil forming materials (SFM) in situ or available on site for use in re-restoration / landscaping. To consider the adequacy of surface water drainage and identify the occurrence of perched groundwater.— To assist in the estimation of the restoration / landscaping costs by identifying the principal cost items involved.— To identify errors and omissions in the data assembled and unsound interpretation (peer review).— If required to comment on the whether the surveys designed by external consultants (second opinion) is adequate to meet the needs of the FC and, if not, identify where this needs to be augmented to achieve an acceptable trial pit density / distribution.— To quantity opportunities for the establishment of new vegetation communities using indigenous soil resources.— To identify where and how the requirements for remediation (if any) and provision of soil cover can be jointly met to minimise costs. To identify how the establishment of specific vegetation types can be used to reduce hazard, risk, disturbance or nuisance.— Carry out assessment of new sites and potential new sites to give an outline feedback on the suitability of the site for forestry. This may include design and management of site investigations.— To prepare information in an accessible form to highlight constraints and opportunities presented by the soil resource, including locations where the strong presumption is towards specific vegetation types. Preparation of cost estimates for constructing different soil profiles to meet the needs of alternative vegetation types to assist in decision making.— To review the practicality of implementing the soil and vegetation component of the designed scheme, including highlighting opportunities for cost saving from fine tuning. Production of a Bill of Quantities.— To prepare method based specifications for earthworks.— To judge the acceptability of tenders submitted based on whether the information provided is complete, proposed changes to the specification and rates (second opinion).— To provide support / assistance during the construction / implementation stage to advise on the requirements of the specification, the acceptability of alternative proposals by contractors and the rectification of problems encountered due to unforeseen circumstances.- To identify the requirements for the importation of soil, soil forming materials (SFM) and organic amendments (green waste, sewage sludge etc) basis to meet the restoration / landscaping needs including setting quality standards, quality assurance measures and the integration of spreading and incorporation (amendments) into ground preparation sequences.- Evaluating the success of restoration works in subsequent months and years after project completion.- There may be a need for data to be transferred between parties. This is likely to be GIS data.