Planning

Manufacture, Supply and Installation of Timber Signage for Scotland's National Nature Reserves

SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

28 Oct 2025 at 16:47

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process is being conducted by Scotland Excel on behalf of NatureScot, targeting the manufacture, supply, and installation of timber signage across Scotland's National Nature Reserves. This process is currently in the planning stage, and interested suppliers have been invited to respond to the Prior Information Notice (PIN) by 17 November 2025. NatureScot aims to establish a single-supplier framework agreement valued at £350,000 for a four-year period, with flexible call-off arrangements. The initiative falls under the industry category of 'Signs and related items' (CPV 44423400) and covers regions across Scotland (UKM). The future notice date for this procurement is set for 19 January 2026, with the purpose of initiating early market engagement and gathering supplier feedback to refine the procurement strategy.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in manufacturing, graphic design, and installation services, particularly those familiar with high-quality, sustainable timber products. Companies with the capability to deliver services across diverse Scottish landscapes, including remote or island locations, would find this tender particularly advantageous. The framework allows for subcontracting, enabling SMEs to contribute specific expertise such as manufacturing or installation while ensuring the appointed supplier manages all elements. Businesses focused on innovation, sustainability, and adaptability to changing site priorities will be well-positioned to compete and benefit from potential collaborative growth and sustainability advancements through this procurement.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Manufacture, Supply and Installation of Timber Signage for Scotland's National Nature Reserves

Notice Description

NatureScot intends to establish a single-supplier framework agreement for the manufacture, supply and installation of timber signage across Scotland's National Nature Reserves (NNRs). The framework will support a rolling programme of signage replacement and new installations, including bilingual English/Gaelic content, with flexible call-off arrangements over a four-year period. As part of the development process for the procurement approach, NatureScot is seeking views and information from the marketplace in connection with the areas set out in this Prior Information Notice (PIN).

Lot Information

Lot 1

NatureScot manages 29 National Nature Reserves across Scotland, encompassing a wide range of landscapes from remote mountain environments to coastal woodlands and lochs. To support visitor engagement and site management, NatureScot is seeking to establish a single-supplier framework agreement for the manufacture, supply and installation of high-quality timber signage and associated graphic panels. The framework will cover: - Manufacture of bespoke timber signs using sustainably sourced Douglas Fir; - Preparation of English and bilingual English/Gaelic CAD drawings based on NatureScot templates; - Liaising with graphic designers for panel artwork ensuring artwork is provided in the correct specification for production; - Supply of fixings and hardware; - Delivery to NNRs, offices or other agreed locations; - Installation and ground restoration where required; and - Removal and recycling of old signage. NatureScot does not require that all elements of the requirement be delivered directly by the appointed supplier from within their own organisation. Subcontracting or use of third-party providers (e.g. for manufacture, delivery or installation) is permitted, provided that the appointed supplier retains full responsibility for managing all subcontracted elements and ensuring that all requirements are delivered to the standards set out in the framework agreement. The framework is intended to run for four years (on a 2 + 1 + 1 basis), with call-off orders placed as required. Estimated volumes are between 50-100 signs across 3-5 NNRs per year, with delivery and installation agreed on a case-by-case basis. The framework is intended to provide flexibility in response to changing demand and site priorities, and to enable streamlined interaction with the appointed supplier. This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is issued by NatureScot to inform the market of a potential forthcoming procurement opportunity and to initiate early engagement with potential suppliers. The purpose of this market engagement is to: - Assess supplier interest in participating in a single-supplier framework; - Understand supplier capacity and capability to deliver the required services across Scotland; - Identify any delivery challenges, particularly in remote or island locations; - Explore opportunities for innovation, sustainability; and - Inform the final scope, structure, and commercial model of the framework agreement. Depending on the feedback received through this PIN process, NatureScot may consider alternative approaches (including a multi-lot structure based on geographic regions or service components) if this is deemed necessary to ensure effective delivery and market accessibility. To have your feedback considered, please complete the questionnaire by following this link - https://www.cognitoforms.com/ScotlandExcel1/PP-1417PINQuestionnaire. NatureScot has included two additional documents with this Prior Information Notice (PIN) for suppliers to review: the 'NNR Signs Guide (for PIN)' and the 'NNR Example CAD Master Schedule (for PIN)'. These documents are provided for information purposes only, to assist suppliers in assessing their capability and capacity to meet the contract requirements. Additional information: NatureScot have included a questionnaire (which can be found here - https://www.cognitoforms.com/ScotlandExcel1/PP-1417PINQuestionnaire) for interested suppliers and may invite further dialogue to explore delivery models and gather feedback. Participation in this PIN process will not be evaluated for award purposes but will help shape the final procurement strategy.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d5a6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069129-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

03 - Agricultural, farming, fishing, forestry and related products

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)

45 - Construction work

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

03419000 - Timber

34928470 - Signage

44423400 - Signs and related items

45233293 - Installation of street furniture

79822500 - Graphic design services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£350,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Oct 20252 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
19 Jan 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
flexibleprocurement@scotland-excel.org.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1463725097

Buyer Location

Locality
INVERNESS
Postcode
IV3 8NW
Post Town
Inverness
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM2 Highlands and Islands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM20 Highlands and Islands
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
Highland
Electoral Ward
Inverness West
Westminster Constituency
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d5a6-2025-10-28T16:47:26Z",
    "date": "2025-10-28T16:47:26Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d5a6",
    "description": "Interested suppliers are invited to submit a response to this PIN by Monday 17 November at 12:00. Scotland Excel will be conducting this procurement exercise on behalf of NatureScot but will not be party to the implementation or management of it. NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=812863. (SC Ref:812863)",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "PP-1417",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Manufacture, Supply and Installation of Timber Signage for Scotland's National Nature Reserves",
        "status": "planned",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "44423400",
            "description": "Signs and related items"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "description": "NatureScot intends to establish a single-supplier framework agreement for the manufacture, supply and installation of timber signage across Scotland's National Nature Reserves (NNRs). The framework will support a rolling programme of signage replacement and new installations, including bilingual English/Gaelic content, with flexible call-off arrangements over a four-year period. As part of the development process for the procurement approach, NatureScot is seeking views and information from the marketplace in connection with the areas set out in this Prior Information Notice (PIN).",
        "value": {
            "amount": 350000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "NatureScot manages 29 National Nature Reserves across Scotland, encompassing a wide range of landscapes from remote mountain environments to coastal woodlands and lochs. To support visitor engagement and site management, NatureScot is seeking to establish a single-supplier framework agreement for the manufacture, supply and installation of high-quality timber signage and associated graphic panels. The framework will cover: - Manufacture of bespoke timber signs using sustainably sourced Douglas Fir; - Preparation of English and bilingual English/Gaelic CAD drawings based on NatureScot templates; - Liaising with graphic designers for panel artwork ensuring artwork is provided in the correct specification for production; - Supply of fixings and hardware; - Delivery to NNRs, offices or other agreed locations; - Installation and ground restoration where required; and - Removal and recycling of old signage. NatureScot does not require that all elements of the requirement be delivered directly by the appointed supplier from within their own organisation. Subcontracting or use of third-party providers (e.g. for manufacture, delivery or installation) is permitted, provided that the appointed supplier retains full responsibility for managing all subcontracted elements and ensuring that all requirements are delivered to the standards set out in the framework agreement. The framework is intended to run for four years (on a 2 + 1 + 1 basis), with call-off orders placed as required. Estimated volumes are between 50-100 signs across 3-5 NNRs per year, with delivery and installation agreed on a case-by-case basis. The framework is intended to provide flexibility in response to changing demand and site priorities, and to enable streamlined interaction with the appointed supplier. This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is issued by NatureScot to inform the market of a potential forthcoming procurement opportunity and to initiate early engagement with potential suppliers. The purpose of this market engagement is to: - Assess supplier interest in participating in a single-supplier framework; - Understand supplier capacity and capability to deliver the required services across Scotland; - Identify any delivery challenges, particularly in remote or island locations; - Explore opportunities for innovation, sustainability; and - Inform the final scope, structure, and commercial model of the framework agreement. Depending on the feedback received through this PIN process, NatureScot may consider alternative approaches (including a multi-lot structure based on geographic regions or service components) if this is deemed necessary to ensure effective delivery and market accessibility. To have your feedback considered, please complete the questionnaire by following this link - https://www.cognitoforms.com/ScotlandExcel1/PP-1417PINQuestionnaire. NatureScot has included two additional documents with this Prior Information Notice (PIN) for suppliers to review: the 'NNR Signs Guide (for PIN)' and the 'NNR Example CAD Master Schedule (for PIN)'. These documents are provided for information purposes only, to assist suppliers in assessing their capability and capacity to meet the contract requirements. Additional information: NatureScot have included a questionnaire (which can be found here - https://www.cognitoforms.com/ScotlandExcel1/PP-1417PINQuestionnaire) for interested suppliers and may invite further dialogue to explore delivery models and gather feedback. Participation in this PIN process will not be evaluated for award purposes but will help shape the final procurement strategy.",
                "status": "planned"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "34928470",
                        "description": "Signage"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "45233293",
                        "description": "Installation of street furniture"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "03419000",
                        "description": "Timber"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79822500",
                        "description": "Graphic design services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-01-19T00:00:00Z"
        },
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-2926",
            "name": "Scottish Natural Heritage",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Scottish Natural Heritage"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Great Glen House, Leachkin Road",
                "locality": "Inverness",
                "region": "UKM62",
                "postalCode": "IV3 8NW",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1463725097",
                "email": "flexibleprocurement@scotland-excel.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer",
                "centralPurchasingBody"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.nature.scot",
                "buyerProfile": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00383",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
                        "description": "Body governed by public law"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "id": "05",
                        "description": "Environmental protection"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-2926",
        "name": "Scottish Natural Heritage"
    },
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000812863"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en"
}