This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

31 Jul 2026 at 09:56

Tender

31 Jul 2026 at 08:24

Summary of the contracting process

Swale Borough Council has announced a tender for arboricultural services, inviting Expressions of Interest from qualified contractors. The procurement process is at the tender stage, with an open procedure being used. Located in Sittingbourne, UK, this procurement falls under the industry category of agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural, and apicultural services. The contract will commence on 15th January 2027 and conclude on 14th January 2030, with a possible extension for an additional 2 years. Interested parties must submit their bids by 31st August 2026 at 09:00hrs through the council's e-tendering portal. The total value of the contract is estimated at £315,000, and award criteria include both price and quality considerations.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses in the arboricultural sector to secure a long-term contract with a public authority. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) may find this an attractive opportunity due to favourable suitability criteria. The selected contractor will engage in both climbing and groundwork services and must be equipped with the necessary skills and equipment. Since the tender is open to a wide range of businesses, those with a strong track record in arboricultural services and a capable team are well-positioned to compete for this contract. Additionally, the potential for contract extension makes it an opportunity for sustained business growth.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Arboricultural Services for Swale Borough Council

Notice Description

Swale Borough Council is inviting Expressions of Interest to tender for arboricultural services. The contract will involve undertaking a range of arboricultural services, the contractor is expected to provide a suitably qualified team with van, chipper and equipment. It is estimated that the contractor will provide one day per week split between climbing and ground works, Swale Borough Council will provide a list of works for the team and prioritise their workload. The contract shall commence on 15th January 2027 and terminate on 14th January 2030. The council may extend the opportunity for a further 2 years on a 1yr + 1yr basis. The tender/s who submit/s the Most Advantageous Tender will be awarded the contract. Expressions of Interest and the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document must be submitted / uploaded on the Council's e-tendering portal. The closing date for submission of Expressions of Interest and the closing date for the ITT is 31st August 2026 at 09:00hrs. All communication / clarifications must be submitted via the e-tendering portal. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Sittingbourne:-Agricultural,-forestry,-horticultural,-aquacultural-and-apicultural-services./K5GMDUZKP6 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/respond/K5GMDUZKP6

Lot Information

Groundwork days and climbing days

There are three pricing options, option 1 (51days) will be used as the baseline figure for the contract and options 2&3 (55 or 60 days) could be used if they are commercially viable. Tenderers must price all three options. Option one, split 21 ground work days (2 man team) and 30 Climbing work days (3 man team). Option two, 25 ground/ 30 climbing. Option three, 28 ground / 32 climbing.

Renewal: The council may extend the opportunity for a further 2 years on a 1yr + 1yr basis.

Emergency responses and use of specialised equipment

This lot refers to The Council's additional tree maintenance budget which may rise to the value of PS17,500pa but is not guarenteed within the contract value. This lot includes work such as emergency responses and use of specialised equipment.

Renewal: The council may extend the opportunity by up to a further 2 years on a 1yr + 1yr basis.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d84c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072591-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

77 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services


CPV Codes

77000000 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£262,500 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£262,500 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Jul 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
31 Aug 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Jan 2027 - 14 Jan 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SWALE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SITTINGBOURNE
Postcode
ME10 3HT
Post Town
Rochester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ43 Kent Thames Gateway
Delivery Location
TLJ4 Kent

Local Authority
Swale
Electoral Ward
Roman
Westminster Constituency
Sittingbourne and Sheppey

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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