ITT for Survey and Treament for Timber Preservation Framework
A practical guide to understanding what Dundee City Council really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't focus just on treatments
This framework is about much more than applying chemicals or conducting surveys.
Dundee City Council is looking for partners they can trust to manage their properties' timber preservation needs over two years.
The framework covers a range of services: dry and wet rot surveys, woodworm infestation treatments and chemical mould removal in domestic properties.
But what they're really buying is assurance.
Assurance that their properties will remain in good condition and that issues will be handled consistently and professionally.
Winning a place is just the beginning
Remember, this isn't a single contract. It's a framework.
Securing a spot means you're on the list of preferred suppliers, but it doesn't guarantee work.
Once on the framework, you'll have opportunities for call-off contracts. These can be awarded directly if the buyer knows and trusts you or through further competitions between framework suppliers.
That's why your submission should focus on how you'll stand out in both the initial framework bid and any subsequent competitions.
Pay attention to what they say
Dundee City Council has made it clear that they want to appoint a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 contractors for each lot.
This means competition is stiff, and your response needs to shine.
The Council is looking for competence and reliability.
They've laid out three specific lots: surface treatments, invasive treatments and fogging.
Each lot will be awarded to the highest scoring bidder, so if you're bidding for all three, tailor your responses to fit each distinct service.
Think about the people living in these properties
The end users are the residents of Dundee's domestic properties.
Their comfort and safety are paramount.
If I were writing this response, I'd emphasise how my service ensures minimal disruption to their daily lives while maintaining high standards of safety and effectiveness.
Evidence always beats promises
Promises of great service are common. Evidence is what sets you apart.
Compile robust evidence of your past work in timber preservation. This could include:
- Case studies of similar projects
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Data on success rates and client satisfaction
- Certifications and accreditations in timber treatment
Show Dundee City Council that you don't just talk the talk.
Plan for the long term
Consistency is key over the 720-day term of this framework.
Dundee City Council will be looking for suppliers who can deliver reliable service throughout.
Consider how you'll manage staffing levels, training and quality control to maintain standards over time.
I'd want to see a clear plan for handling absences, vacancies and emergencies.
Don't overreach
It's tempting to bid for all three lots, but only do so if you can genuinely deliver on each.
The Council will award each lot to the highest scoring bidder, so spreading yourself too thin could weaken your overall bid.
Focus on where you can deliver the best value and service.
Make life easier for Dundee City Council
Every contract creates work for the buyer.
Show how you can reduce that workload through clear communication, efficient management and proactive problem-solving.
If I were writing this tender, I'd highlight how my services streamline processes and reduce the need for Council oversight.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Lack specific evidence of past successful projects
- Fail to tailor responses to each lot applied for
- Overpromise without a clear plan for delivery
- Ignore the impact on residents and their living conditions
- Overlook the importance of long-term consistency
- Spread resources too thinly across multiple lots
- Forget to address how you'll make life easier for the Council
My Final Thoughts
Dundee City Council is looking for partners they can trust with their timber preservation needs.
It's not just about the treatments.
It's about reliability, consistency and making life easier for both the Council and the residents.
With a framework value of £5,200,000, there's significant opportunity here. But remember, the framework lasts 720 days and the real work comes in the call-offs.
Quality matters just as much as price. That's what I'd focus my submission on.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?
View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.
View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →About our "How to Win This Contract" guides
Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.