Summary of the contracting process

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is planning a public procurement process titled "Supply of Hive Side Education Training (1 Year Pilot)" in the industry category of Bee-keeping machinery and various related services. This procurement process focuses on reducing pest and disease issues affecting the UK bee population through face-to-face practical training during the 2025 beekeeping season, spanning April to September, across regions including East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The procurement stage is currently in the planning phase, with a key engagement milestone date on 28th March 2025. Interested suppliers are invited to provide feedback on the draft specification to shape the pilot project effectively.

This tender represents a valuable opportunity for businesses specialising in agricultural services, environmental and technical training, and vocational initiatives, especially SMEs and VCSEs. The procurement method involves a detailed engagement with potential suppliers through draft specifications and feedback questionnaires, potentially leading to substantial growth for businesses capable of delivering specialised hive side training directly within bee hives. Ideal candidates are those with proven expertise in apicultural services and an ability to cater to a wide geographic area in the United Kingdom. Engaging in this pilot project could allow businesses to expand their service offerings and establish a stronger market presence in the sustainable agricultural and training sectors.

Planning

Supply of Hive Side Education Training (1 Year Pilot)

APHA

Contract Timeline

Publication Date

20th March 2025 12:35:43 PM

Planning Deadline

28th March 2025 23:59:59 PM Expired
Contract Summary

An aspect of our Healthy Bee Plan includes seeking to pilot hive side training across England and Wales for the purpose of reducing problem pests and diseases affecting the UK bee population. The pilot will cover the 2025 beekeeping season (April - September). In this context, "hive side training" means the provision of face-to-face and practical training inside bee hives, as opposed to classroom based or online training. We are planning to appoint a supplier to deliver the pilot training on our behalf. Prior to requesting quotes, we are asking potential suppliers and interested parties to review the draft specification (the document that sets out how the pilot will work) and provide feedback to us. If you are interested in providing feedback on our draft specification, and help shape our approach to the pilot, please find the attached: (1) draft specification and (2) engagement letter, with a questionnaire overleaf. Please email your returned questionnaire, questions and other comments to: tom.redfearn@defra.gov.uk
Contract Details

Open Contracting ID

ocds-b5fd17-bd630063-9b9e-48b9-9e6e-ae7e5fae6cae

Publication Source

Contracts Finder

Procurement Stage

Planning

Procurement Method

N/A

Procurement Method Details

N/A

Procurement Category

Services

Tender Suitability

SME VCSE

Framework / DPS
Contract Classification

CPV Code(s)

16640000
77000000
77100000
77110000
80510000
80530000
80531000
80531200
80540000

CPV Division(s)

16 - Agricultural machinery
77 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services
80 - Education and training services
Awarding Authority

APHA

Buyer Name

Tom Redfearn

Buyer Email

tom.redfearn@defra.gov.uk

Buyer Phone

07920053570

Buyer Address

Lateral House, 8 City Walk

Leeds

LS11 9AT

UK

View contract on Contracts Finder

Supply of Hive Side Education Training (1 Year Pilot)

APHA

Contract Timeline

Contract Summary

Contract Details

Contract Classification

Awarding Authority