Award

A framework for assessing confidence in metabarcoding assays and results

NATURAL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 10 releases in its history.

Award

21 Nov 2024 at 09:49

TenderAmendment

11 Sep 2024 at 12:30

TenderAmendment

10 Sep 2024 at 12:08

TenderAmendment

30 Aug 2024 at 13:28

TenderAmendment

30 Aug 2024 at 07:34

TenderAmendment

29 Aug 2024 at 14:20

TenderAmendment

28 Aug 2024 at 10:31

TenderAmendment

21 Aug 2024 at 13:53

TenderAmendment

20 Aug 2024 at 13:42

Tender

20 Aug 2024 at 12:11

Summary of the contracting process

This procurement process was managed by Natural England, located in Crewe Business Park, Crewe. The tender titled "A framework for assessing confidence in metabarcoding assays and results" falls under the industry category of Research services (CPV ID: 73110000). The project addresses the need for DNA-based methods to monitor and assess ecosystems, specifically through the development of an eDNA metabarcoding assay validation framework. The procurement was conducted using an open procedure (below threshold) and has reached the award stage, with key dates including the tender publishing date of 20th August 2024, tender period ending on 18th September 2024, and contract period from 2nd October 2024 to 28th February 2025. The awarded contract value is £32,837, and it was awarded to JAMES HUTTON LIMITED on 3rd October 2024.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in DNA-based ecosystem monitoring and research services. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to compete, as the procurement process is open and designed to be accessible. Organisations with expertise in environmental DNA, metabarcoding assays, and ecological community detection can leverage this contract to expand their research portfolio and contribute to innovative ecosystem monitoring methods. By enhancing assay performance and validation, businesses can play a critical role in developing reliable environmental assessment tools, potentially unlocking further opportunities for collaboration and funding in the environmental research sector.

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Notice Title

A framework for assessing confidence in metabarcoding assays and results

Notice Description

PLEASE NOTE: The closing date for this notice has been extended to 18/09/2024. DNA-based methods have the potential to significantly change how we monitor and assess ecosystems. These methods are now being used more widely within Natural England, particularly the detection of ecological communities using environmental DNA (eDNA). This is often conducted by employing metabarcoding assays which target specific species assemblages (e.g. fish, mammals) or broader taxonomic groups (e.g. vertebrates, invertebrates, bacteria). It is difficult for Natural England staff to understand, interpret, and determine confidence in the results of different metabarcoding assays or assess the risk of false positive or false negative results. This project aims to address some of these challenges through the development of an eDNA metabarcoding assay validation framework. This will include: establishing key criteria to enable the classification of metabarcoding assays based on their taxonomic coverage, taxonomic resolution and detection sensitivity for different groups; and assessing the suitability of metabarcoding assays for different sample types and environments. This will enable end-users to determine the recommended scenarios for application of a given assay and improve assay performance with further validation. Additional information: To apply for this opportunity you must submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) attached. Your response must be sent to monitoring.innovation@naturalengland.org.uk by 17:00 on 18th September 2024. If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to monitoring.innovation@naturalengland.org.uk. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-0622f621-c807-44fe-9ce8-8a4fcb8c2a97
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/feaade31-a9d7-4199-9f6b-9ece393329c8
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£33,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£32,837 Under £100K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Nov 20241 years ago
Submission Deadline
18 Sep 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Oct 20241 years ago
Contract Period
6 Oct 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATURAL ENGLAND
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CREWE
Postcode
CW1 6GJ
Post Town
Crewe
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD6 Cheshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD62 Cheshire East
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Cheshire East
Electoral Ward
Crewe East
Westminster Constituency
Crewe and Nantwich

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

JAMES HUTTON

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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