Planning

Design and Supply of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bridges and Decking Systems

FORESTRY COMMISSION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

30 Sep 2025 at 11:12

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Forestry Commission, a public authority within the sub-central government sector, is planning the procurement process for the design and supply of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridges. The procurement stage is currently in the planning phase, with an active market engagement milestone set for 14th October 2025. Interested suppliers have been invited to express their interest by emailing Claire Hodges at commercial.services@forestryengland.uk. This project is focused on constructing lightweight road bridges, footbridges, cycleways, bridleways, and decking systems suitable for highways loading. The procurement covers locations across multiple UK regions including UKK, UKJ, UKH, UKG, UKF, UKE, UKD, and UKC, each requiring bespoke designs that adhere to high performance standards. Contracts for this project will start on 1st November 2025 and conclude by 31st October 2029.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses experienced in the design and manufacture of FRP bridge systems, particularly those utilising the vacuum infusion method for a monolithic construction. Businesses specialising in light weight construction methods and possessing the capability to deliver within a 3-month timeframe will find this opportunity particularly attractive. Given the typical project cost ranges between £50,000 and £250,000, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can provide competitive design and manufacturing solutions stand to gain from engaging with this multi-regional initiative led by the Forestry Commission.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Design and Supply of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bridges and Decking Systems

Notice Description

Design and supply of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bridges - Roadbridges suitable for 44Tonnes Highways Loading plus supply and design of footbridges, cycleways, bridleways and bridge decking solutions suitable for highways loading (up to 44 Tonnes). The manufacturing process should use the resin infusion technique with a mould. This allows arrangement of fibres at different orientations to ensure maximum performance and if required fibre and resin types can be altered to suit a particular application. Foam core should also be used between the top mat and bottom mat for structural efficiency. Ideally constructed using a proven monolithic FRP system (e.g. InfraCore or equivalent) with vacuum infusion method. This type of construction has a low maintenance requirement and subsequently features a long design life. Elements of the bridge structures will have an expected design life of: - Deck - 100+ years - Surfacing 10+ years - Parapets 30+ years - UV protection 60+ years Also be able to design such bridges and provide outline proposals and detailed costings. Most structures we require will need bespoke designs. Typical projects expected to range between PS50k-PS250k per bridge, depending on size and specification Be able to manufacture and supply a bridge within a short timeframe up to 3 months.

Planning Information

We are looking for suppliers that have the expertise to design, manufacture and supply FRP bridges. Due to site constraints the bridge deck must be of light weight construction to enable its installation without the use of cranes. Suppliers should express interest by emailing Claire Hodges at commercial.services@forestryengland.uk Interested suppliers are invited to provide information on their capability, relevant experience, and indicative lead times.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a4cb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060843-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45221100 - Construction work for bridges

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Sep 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2025 - 31 Oct 2029 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FORESTRY COMMISSION
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
commercial.services@forestryengland.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS16 1EJ
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Stoke Park & Cheswick
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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