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Tenders

Little Missenden Play Area

Open
Deadline
5 days left
March 31, 2026
Contract Details
Category
Open Procedure
Reference
005841-2026
Value
£64,800
Location
United Kingdom
Published
March 19, 2026
CPV Code
Project Timeline

Tender Published

January 22, 2026

Deadline for Questions

March 24, 2026

Submission Deadline

March 31, 2026

Contract Start Date

June 30, 2026

Budget
£64,800
Duration
3 months
Location
United Kingdom
Type
Open Procedure
66
Quality Score/100
Good

Original Tender Description

INTRODUCTION Little Missenden Parish council invites tenders from suitably experienced contractors for the design, supply, and installation of a new play area for children aged 2-11 years at Little Missenden play area. All suppliers submitting a response to this tender must be current members of the Association of Play Industries (API). As the UK's leading trade body for play equipment manufacturers and installers, API membership ensures suppliers meet high standards of safety, quality, and ethical conduct. Tenderers must include their API membership number in their submission. Submissions from non-members will not be considered This opportunity is open to companies with a proven track record in delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative play solutions for public spaces. The successful bidder will be expected to deliver a full design-and-build package. PROJECT BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES The play area consists of a mixture of new metal equipment and old wooden play equipment. We would like to remove the old wooden equipment and replace with new modern equipment. Key aims: • Remove wooden trail, wooden swings, small toddler unit and roundabout. • Leaving new basket swing, slide and the three floor standing treehouses • Provide new inclusive, accessible equipment suitable for ages 2-14 • Enhance year-round usability through improved surfacing • Reflect the natural setting through material choices and design themes • Provide a safe and stimulating environment aligned with national play standards (EN 1176/EN 1177) Budget The proposed budget is £54,000 (Ex VAT). The full budget should be used but not exceeded. All features included within the design must be included within the budget and quotation, there must be no 'suggested' additional works shown in the design outside the tendered price. Project Background & Site-Specific Requirements Current situation The current play area suffers from various issues, both naturally occurring and the current equipment, surfacing and general design. The Council would like to see a design that not only considers the site challenges but enhances play values. The play area is in a conservation area and can lay wet during winter months so no wood to be used colours must be muted preferably browns and greens to help blend into the surrounding environment Note: The site has access via a five-bar field gate and plenty of parking within the play area. However, the site can lay wet during winter months. Objective example To enhance the play area, introducing exciting new equipment to work alongside existing equipment. Site set-up: • Welfare (drinking water and a portable toilet) must be provided for the duration of the Works. • Heras Fencing must be established around the entire site for the duration of the Works, with sufficient CDM signage. • Compound and Access Route: details on the tender submission should include any vehicle access route and contractor parking, proposed compound, and processes to mitigate any impact on the community such as vehicle movement, noise, or any other factors. This should be in the form of a concise or simplified construction plan (maximum 1 page) to evidence some thought has been considered to the site in terms of delivering the project. Project Specification The Council is seeking a play area that incorporates imagination, challenge and excitement for the target age group, reflecting the priorities identified through consultation. The equipment list provided gives a broad indication of the Council's and community's vision, while allowing Contractor flexibility to propose innovative solutions from their own product ranges. Contractors are encouraged to demonstrate a range of play values and disciplines, clearly identifying the play value of each item proposed. The playscape should provide opportunities for both physical and social development through a varied and engaging play environment. The play equipment items to be considered must include, but are not restricted to: Essential 1x swing set with one flat and one cradle seat with possible a two-person swing 1x roundabout (above ground) 1x infant multi play 1x junior multi play 1x springer only if funds allow 1x stepping mushrooms 1x interactive station with a Little Missenden sign Materials The Council expects all equipment to be constructed from high-quality, durable, and low-maintenance materials suitable for intensive public use. A range of material options will be considered, including but not limited to FOR EXAMPLE, • High Pressured Laminate panels • Hot dipped zinc galvanized and stainless steel. • Additional materials are acceptable for non-structural parts. • Fixings should be anti-tamper style (Torx Screws), and any bolts covered with protective caps. • Chains should be stainless steel. • Structural rope should have a steel core. Further information/ comment: Existing Seats and bins will remain No equipment higher than 4 metres No wooden equipment. On surfacing, we would like all old pads overlaid with mulch and cut and tucked into grass. Safety Surfacing Safety Surfacing The Council expects all surfacing to comply with EN 1177 and for test certificates to be provided as part of the tender submission. Contractors should propose a suitable surfacing solution based on the design, fall heights, site conditions and accessibility needs. Please ensure proposals include: • Surfacing type and depth • Sub-base and edging detail • Compliance and certification information • Warranties and maintenance requirements Surfacing Options (to adapt or remove as required) • Rubber Mulch Excavate to achieve flush finish. Install 100mm MOT Type 1 compacted stone beneath surface. Edges to be trench-cut into grass • Re-Instatement All damage resulting from removals, vehicle movement, installation, deliveries or any other aspect of the Works, must be repaired to at least the condition of that item or items or replaced with the same or similar alternative/s. This includes any ground repair that either needs soil, grading and grass seed for minor damage, or new turf for any major damage. • Post Installation Inspection A post installation inspection by an independent RPii qualified inspector (i.e. Play Inspection Company, RoSPA or other similar provider) is required to sign off the completed installation. The contractor should allow for this cost within their tender price. CONTRACTUAL & LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Insurance Requirements The successful contractor must hold and submit evidence of the following: • Public Liability Insurance: £10 million minimum • Product Liability Insurance: £5 million minimum • Employer's Liability Insurance: £5 million minimum • Professional Indemnity: £1 million minimum • Contract Works Insurance: Covering full contract value Construction & Safety Compliance All works must comply with: • BS EN 1176 / 1177 Standards • CDM Regulations 2015 • Any relevant local planning or safety policies Post-Award Requirements The selected contractor will be required to provide: • Construction Phase Plan • Programme of Works • Risk Assessment & Method Statements • Site setup drawings • Traffic & access plan • Key contacts/escalation plan Contract Agreement The acceptance of a tendered price by LITTLE MISSENDEN PARISH COUNCIL shall form the basis of a binding contract which shall be governed by English Law. This document, together with the drawings, specifications, and any correspondence made to clarify the Contractor's tendered price and the play area layout design shall form the contract. The successful Contractor will enter a contract by way of signing a Council Issued terms and conditions.

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Requirements & Qualifications

63 requirements across 5 categories

Submission (13)
Mandatory (1)
Compliance (7)
Technical (37)
Financial (5)
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS13
--Include the API membership number in the submission.
--Include a concise or simplified construction plan (maximum 1 page) detailing vehicle access route, contractor parking, proposed compound, and processes to mitigate community impact.
--Proposals for surfacing must include: surfacing type and depth, sub-base and edging detail, compliance and certification information, warranties, and maintenance requirements.
MANDATORY EXCLUSION GROUNDS1
--Submissions from non-members of the Association of Play Industries (API) will not be considered.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS7
--All suppliers must be current members of the Association of Play Industries (API).
--Companies must have a proven track record in delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative play solutions for public spaces.
--Hold Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of £10 million.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS37
--Be capable of delivering a full design-and-build package for a new play area.
--Design, supply, and install new modern play equipment.
--Remove existing old wooden equipment (wooden trail, wooden swings, small toddler unit, roundabout).
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS5
--The proposed budget is £54,000 (Ex VAT).
--The full budget should be used but not exceeded.
--All features included within the design must be included within the budget and quotation.

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Documents

5 documents available with AI summaries

Attachment A-10768HTM
A-10768.html

This document is an award notice detailing the contract for Lead Consultant Multi-Disciplinary Services for a Borough Wide Garage Stock Repairs and Refurbishment Programme, awarded to IG9 LTD by Lewisham Council for £44,500 (ex VAT).

OCDS RecordDOC
005841-2026_ocds_record.json

This tender invites experienced contractors to design, supply, and install a new £54,000 play area for 2-11 year olds, requiring mandatory API membership, specific insurance, and adherence to EN 1176/1177 standards, with a focus on durable, natural-themed, and inclusive equipment.

OCDS Release PackageDOC
005841-2026_ocds_release.json

Download failed - no summary available

Official PDF VersionPDF
005841-2026_official.pdf

Little Missenden Parish Council seeks API-member contractors for the design, supply, and installation of a £54,000 (Ex VAT) new, inclusive, and modern play area for 2-11 year olds, requiring no wood, muted colours, specific equipment, and adherence to safety standards and insurance requirements.

Tender NoticeHTM
005841-2026.html

Little Missenden Parish Council seeks API-member contractors for the design, supply, and installation of a £54,000 (Ex VAT) new, inclusive, and modern play area for 2-11 year olds, requiring non-wooden equipment, specific play items, and adherence to safety standards and insurance requirements.

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66
Good

Tender Quality Score

This tender provides a detailed project description but its fairness and transparency are significantly undermined by the mandatory API membership and the complete absence of evaluation criteria.

Score Breakdown

Legal Compliance75/100

The procedure type and CPV codes are correctly defined, and the submission period is reasonable. However, the mandatory API membership raises concerns about non-discrimination and proportionality, especially for a below-threshold tender. The absence of evaluation criteria is a significant legal flaw regarding transparency.

Mandatory API membership (potential non-discrimination issue)
Missing evaluation criteria
Clarity80/100

The project description, objectives, and technical requirements are very clear and detailed. The AI-extracted requirements are comprehensive. However, the complete lack of specified evaluation criteria significantly reduces clarity for bidders on how their proposals will be assessed.

Missing evaluation criteria
Completeness70/100

Basic information, financial details, and timeline are largely present. Requirements are well-defined. However, the tender lacks explicit evaluation criteria, which is a critical omission. The inclusion of an irrelevant document and a failed download also detract from overall completeness and quality of documentation.

Missing evaluation criteria
Irrelevant document included (Attachment A-10768)
Fairness40/100

The mandatory API membership is a highly restrictive requirement that significantly limits competition and raises concerns about tailoring to a specific group of companies, thus scoring low on fairness. The complete absence of evaluation criteria makes the tender process opaque and inherently unfair, as bidders cannot understand the basis of award. The lack of e-submission also limits equal access.

Mandatory API membership (restricts competition)
Missing evaluation criteria (lack of transparency)
Practicality65/100

The contract start date and duration are clearly specified, and financing information is available. However, the absence of electronic submission is a significant practical drawback in modern procurement. No direct document URL is provided, though documents are listed.

No e-submission
Data Consistency70/100

Key dates are logical and consistent, and there are no reported disputes or suspensions. However, some key fields like 'Liable Person' and procedure codes are empty, and the 'reveal date' is missing, indicating minor data inconsistencies.

Missing 'Liable Person'
Missing procedure codes
Sustainability60/100

The tender includes positive social aspects by requiring inclusive and accessible equipment. There is also a stated focus on innovation. However, explicit green procurement criteria (e.g., recycled content, energy efficiency, lifecycle assessment) are largely absent, with material choices primarily driven by durability and site aesthetics rather than environmental impact.

Limited explicit green procurement criteria

Strengths

Clear and detailed project description and technical requirements
Ample time provided for tender submission
Focus on inclusive and accessible play equipment
Encourages innovative design solutions
Value, duration, and contract start date are clearly specified

Concerns

Mandatory API membership significantly restricts competition and raises fairness issues
Complete absence of objective evaluation criteria creates an opaque and potentially unfair process
No electronic submission option available
Inclusion of an irrelevant document and a failed document download
Missing key data fields such as reveal date and liable person

Recommendations

1. Remove or thoroughly justify the mandatory API membership requirement to foster broader competition.
2. Clearly define and publish objective evaluation criteria to ensure transparency and fairness in the award process.
3. Implement an electronic submission system to enhance accessibility and efficiency for bidders.

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