Tender

Framework for Specialist Planning Advice: Archaeology (Sussex area of the South Downs National Park)

SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

01 Dec 2025 at 14:01

TenderUpdate

24 Nov 2025 at 15:00

Tender

24 Nov 2025 at 11:34

Summary of the contracting process

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is currently in the tender phase of a procurement process aimed at establishing a framework for specialist planning advice in the field of archaeology within the Sussex area of the South Downs National Park. This process, under the legal basis of the UKPGA 2023/54, involves an open, below-threshold competition targeting services in archaeological and environmental planning. Interested parties must submit their tenders electronically via the In-tend portal by 12 January 2026. The procurement method involves a single supplier framework agreement, allowing for direct contract awards without reopening competition. The contract period is set from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, with an option to extend by up to one additional year.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities, particularly for SMEs that specialise in archaeological services and environmental planning. Businesses equipped to provide detailed planning advice within the specified categories are well-suited to compete, especially those with a proven ability to understand and navigate the planning context of the South Downs National Park. Given the emphasis on the price (35%) and approach to the contract (30%) in the award criteria, firms that can offer competitive rates alongside innovative approaches to project resourcing stand a strong chance. Engaging in this procurement process not only allows for potential profit through service delivery but also enhances a firm's credentials and portfolio within the public sector realm.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework for Specialist Planning Advice: Archaeology (Sussex area of the South Downs National Park)

Notice Description

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is carrying out a tendering exercise with the objective of securing specialist advice for planning officers. Planning applications will range across the Sussex area of the South Downs National Park.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The SDNPA may extend the Framework Period by a further period of up to one year by giving written notice of its intention to extend this Framework and the required length of such extension

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e72b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/078506-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services


CPV Codes

71351914 - Archaeological services

90712000 - Environmental planning

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£31,680 Under £100K
Lots Value
£31,680 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 Dec 20253 days ago
Submission Deadline
12 Jan 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
tenders@southdowns.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MIDHURST
Postcode
GU29 9DH
Post Town
Guildford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ27 West Sussex (South West)
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England)

Local Authority
Chichester
Electoral Ward
Midhurst
Westminster Constituency
Arundel and South Downs

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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