Opportunity for tender

Making the Most of the Coast Project
We are inviting companies to quote for the supply of a Diesel Pickup Truck and trailer on a contract hire with maintenance.  The vehicle will be used in relation to Making the Most of the Coast, a two year project enabled by funding from Dumfries and Galloway LEADER, Dumfries and Galloway Council, The Crown Estate and The Robertson Trust.

Background
Solway Firth Partnership (SFP) is a voluntary coastal management partnership which was launched in 1994 in response to formal support for integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) from UK Government and agencies.  SFP is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.  The Partnership works with stakeholders to increase sustainable use and management of the Solway Firth and contributes towards regional, national and international policy development by providing vital input from the grass roots level.
Making the Most of the Coast is a new two year project supporting sustainable use, enjoyment and promotion of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline.

Object of the contract
Solway Firth Partnership is looking to appoint a supplier for a Nissan Navara Tekna Diesel Double-cab 4WD Pickup and Ifor Williams General Purpose Trailer GD64 with Loading Ramp and Weldmesh Panelled side extensions - both to be supplied on a 2 year contract hire with maintenance.  Contract to allow for annual mileage of 30,000 miles, breakdown & recovery service, towbar, metallic paint and loadliner.

To respond to this Invitation to Quote
• Please provide a breakdown of the Hire Contract detailing vehicle specification and accessories, contract term and mileage, breakdown and recovery service, payment profile and excess mileage charge.
• Submit your proposal by email to jak@solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk by Thursday, 11 July at 12 noon.  Email submissions are requested to enable ease of circulation of proposals.
• This commission will be awarded based on the overall quality and value for money of the proposals received.
• A decision will be made on Thursday, 11 July after consideration of all submissions.

Any questions should be sent by email and, if appropriate, any answers given may be issued to all parties invited to quote.

Celebrating the Solway Coast

Dumfries and Galloway’s stunning coastline will get a well-earned boost with the launch of a new project called Making the Most of the Coast.  The project is the culmination of work by Solway Firth Partnership and Dumfries and Galloway Council that has attracted around £200,000 of funding support.

Enabled by funding from Dumfries and Galloway LEADER, Dumfries and Galloway Council, The Crown Estate and The Robertson Trust, the project will see the appointment of two staff based with Solway Firth Partnership in Dumfries: a Coastal Ranger and a supporting administrator.  Over the next two years, this team will work closely with partners to develop events, activities and publications that support sustainable use, enjoyment and promotion of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline.

Pam Taylor of Solway Firth Partnership said: “We want to do something really special here.  We have some of the best landscapes and seascapes in the UK, a tremendous variety of wildlife, historic coastal towns and villages, creative people and top quality fisheries.  There’s much more we can do to capitalise on the links between these things and raise the profile of what we have to offer here.”

The project provides a great opportunity to promote the coast along with increasing understanding and care of the environment for the long term benefit of the region.  Making the Most of the Coast will involve working with schools, communities, volunteer groups and businesses as well as artists and other specialists on a wide ranging programme over the next two years.

Anna Johnson, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s National Scenic Area Officer said: “Our coast and beaches are fantastic, and play an important part in making this such a wonderful place to live in and visit. This project will allow us to celebrate what makes our coastline so special, help to encourage new visitors and assist us in looking after it.”

Celebrate the Ocean

Let the Dumfries and Galloway Coast WOW You!   Sunday 3 June, Rockcliffe Beach Sunday 10 June, Port William Beach   The annual World Oceans Week Celebrations (WOW to you and me) are set to return this year with some fantastic new marine themed activities for all the family.   The events will be held at Rockcliffe Beach on Sunday 3 June and at Port William Beach on Sunday 10 June, both days running from 11.00am to 4.00pm.   Clair McFarlan, Project Officer with Solway Firth Partnership, said “This year we have managed to attract some amazing arts activities along with the marine themed fun that usually takes place. We are really lucky to have Dragonfly Dreaming Puppet Theatre showcasing their marine puppet show and the award winning local poet, Jean Atkin who will be running some beach poetery sessions.  This has enabled us to be part of the Year of Creative Scotland 2012”.   And of course WOW 2012 features the ever popular rockpool rambles, sea kayaking taster sessions, beach art, treasure hunts, wildlife watching and seashell identification.  So come along, join in, have some fun and learn about our stunning marine environment with local experts and enthusiasts!    All events and activities are free of charge although there is a charge for refreshments and ice cream.   Full details are available on our web site www.solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk     World Oceans Week Celebrations 2012 is generously supported by Awards for All, Scottish Natural Heritage, E.ON Climate and Renewables, The Scottish Book Trust and Creative Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council.