Specialist Science and Contingency Services
Overview
Summary, notice description and lot information
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has completed the procurement process for the "Specialist Science and Contingency Services" contract, identified under procurement ID C24955. This contract, valued at approximately £345.7 million, is crucial for enabling government bodies, including the Food Standards Agency and the Home Office, to access essential diagnostic, testing, research, and contingency services related to biosecurity, agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection. The contract was awarded to Fera Science Ltd and covers a five-year period with an option to extend for an additional five years.
The procurement was conducted using a limited method, with no prior call for competition, due to the specialised nature of the services required, and is in accordance with Regulation 32(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The services are to be delivered across the United Kingdom, with the procurement process having been concluded by April 2025. This contract presents significant opportunities for businesses specializing in environmental safety, research and development, and scientific consultancy services.
Companies that demonstrate strong capabilities in delivering high-quality, reliable scientific solutions and possess the infrastructure for rapid and effective response to emergencies could benefit from this procurement. Additionally, businesses with innovative approaches to enhance scientific capabilities in sectors like food standards, environmental monitoring, and public safety will find opportunities to collaborate and grow through related government projects and contracts. Given the strategic importance and the scale of this procurement, it offers long-term engagement prospects for large enterprises with advanced technical expertise in environmental and biosecurity domains.
The SSCS contracts give government customers access to specialist diagnostic, testing, advice and research services to support compliant statutory obligations relating to biosecurity, agriculture, food standards/ safety and environmental protection relating to plant health and wildlife. The contracts also provide incident and contingency services.
The existing Long Term Service Agreement framework expired on 31 March 2025. Defra sought a replacement commercial arrangement to provide continued access to critical scientific evidence and contingency services to support its policy making and operational responsibilities, including emergency response capabilities in relation to food and the environment. The contract is also used by other government departments, including but not limited to the Food Standards Agency and the Home Office. The Supplier has the ability to competitively deliver reliable, high quality business and scientific services; well-proven transition and transformation capabilities within challenging timeframes; and possesses a vision and commitment to enhance relevant scientific capability into the future. The seamless continuation of services is essential due to statutory requirements, and Defra therefore must have a supplier that has the required capability in place as of the effective date. The contract is awarded for a period of five years and has the option to extend for an additional five years (+2+1+1+1).
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