Award

FS900109a Microbiological Testing for Northern Ireland 1-5

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

12 Jun 2025 at 10:55

Award

12 Jun 2025 at 10:53

Summary of the contracting process

The Food Standards Agency, headquartered in York, has concluded an award for microbiological testing services across Northern Ireland, aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing foodborne illnesses. This procurement falls within the CPV classification 73111000 (Research laboratory services), with related consultancy services listed under additional classifications. The open procedure tender has resulted in active awards dated 10th June 2025, and encompasses multiple lots focusing on various pathogens including Escherichia coli and foodborne viruses. The procurement stage is "Award," and spans a contract period beginning 1st May 2025 through to 31st March 2029. The contract features a four-year initial term with a potential two-year extension, reaching an estimated value of £750,000 including VAT.

This tender offers significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in laboratory and microbiological services. The multi-lot nature presents access points for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), fostering inclusion of diverse entities in delivering such critical services. Additionally, organisations with proficiency in research and development consultancy related to microbiology are well-placed to compete in this procurement. The contract’s scope and duration allow businesses to contribute to vital public health initiatives while enhancing their operational breadth within the United Kingdom and potentially across European regions.

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Notice Title

FS900109a Microbiological Testing for Northern Ireland 1-5

Notice Description

The NRL for Food and Feed Microbiology and Foodborne Viruses for Northern Ireland will play a vital role in protecting consumers from illness that could arise from the consumption of foods (including bivalve molluscs) contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. The NRL will provide specialist advice as requested by the FSA and technical support to the NI enforcement process for food, feed and products thereof. The designated laboratory(ies) will carry out the provision of Services for the NRLs for NI for the following areas: Lot 1 NRL for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Lot 2 NRL for Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Lot 3 NRL for Coagulase positive Staphylococci (including Staphylococcus aureus) Lot 4 NRL for Escherichia coli, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), also referred to as Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) Lot 5 NRL for Foodborne Viruses (including bivalve molluscs) Public health protection from illness that could arise from the consumption of unsafe food is required under the provisions of general food law. This is a 4 year contract with an optional 2 year extension. The estimated value of the Contract is estimated to be between PS0 - PS750,000 (inc VAT) for the total duration, including the 2 year extension. The FSA is not required to take the extension.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-b77aa0d1-e051-44ab-9ef2-10a3ba5227a4
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/434492bd-3926-4e3a-8558-a37dfd60f41c
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

71900000 - Laboratory services

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

73111000 - Research laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£750,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£594,935 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
17 Apr 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
9 Jun 20258 months ago
Contract Period
30 Apr 2025 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
YORK
Postcode
YO1 7PR
Post Town
York
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE21 York
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
York
Electoral Ward
Guildhall
Westminster Constituency
York Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SCIENSANO

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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