The First Ark Group consists of 5 companies that work together with the over-riding purpose of making a real positive difference to our communities and to people's lives. First Ark Group is seeking bids from service providers to provide waste management and recycling services primarily within the Knowsley area, to support the work undertaken by First Ark's maintenance team, Vivark. Provisions may be required across the North West to support the Group's operational growth requirements.

Services initially required are split into the following lots:

— Lot 1: Skip hire;

— Lot 2: Waste drop-off and recycling.

The final contract award is envisaged to be to 1 bidder for each lot, however both contracts may be awarded to the same service provider. Full details of the required service can be found within the service specification included within the Supporting Information section of the tender. Submissions are to be submitted through the Cirrus Purchasing eTender system only.

Full details of the required service can be found within the service specification included within the Supporting Information section of the tender.

As an indication of the profile of skip usage by First Ark to be serviced by Lot 1:

1. Estimated skip usage by size:

— 4 cubic metre: 20 %;

— 8 cubic metre: 75 %;

— 16 cubic metre: 5 %.

2. Estimated skip usage by type:

— Open: 35 %;

— Locked: 65 %.

The client accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies in the estimates provided. This is for information only, and no guarantees are given, nor are implied as to the value of business that will be placed with the successful service provider (s).

Full details of the required service can be found within the service specification included within the Supporting Information section of the tender.

The following provides an indication of the profile of waste dropped off for Lot 2:

— Recyclable: 65 %;

— Non-recyclable: 10 %;

— Green waste: 15 %;

— Hazardous: 1 %;

— Metal: 9 %.

The client accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies in the estimates provided. This is for information only, and no guarantees are given, nor are implied as to the value of business that will be placed with the successful service provider (s).

Service providers bidding on Lot 2 will be required to segregate the waste (tipped waste will not be segregated by First Ark operatives for recycling). It will be the responsibility of the service provider to segregate waste and report waste and recycling figures back to First Ark. This management information will form the basis of the invoices.