Award

RBGKEW1308 Expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in root fungal colonisation assessment

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

25 Oct 2024 at 16:05

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Kew has awarded a consultancy service contract titled "RBGKEW1308 Expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in root fungal colonisation assessment". This contract, classified under CPV code 73000000 for research and development services and related consultancy, aims to enhance the AMFinder AI visualisation tool for assessing fungal colonisation in complex field root samples. The procurement process was an open procedure and has progressed to the award stage, with a contract value of £500,000. The project, located in London, UK, will run from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2026, with key activities starting immediately upon contract commencement and continuing until the designated end date. The awarded contract was announced on 15 August 2024, with D-fine GmbH as the supplier.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in AI, consultancy, and R&D services within the biotechnology and agricultural sectors. Particularly, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in semi-supervised learning, AI visualisation tools, and user interface development could greatly benefit from competing in such procurements. The project’s focus on advancing AI functionalities in scientific research tools, adherence to data standards, and enhancing user experiences opens doors for businesses to showcase innovation and contribute to significant scientific advancements. Furthermore, working with a prestigious institution like RBG Kew could enhance the business's reputation and provide networking opportunities within the scientific and research communities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RBGKEW1308 Expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in root fungal colonisation assessment

Notice Description

RBG Kew require a consultancy service, to expand the work developed during phase 1, to adapt AMFinder, an AI visualisation tool developed by Evangelisti et al (2021) to assess fungal-colonisation, for use with more complex field root samples. The work in phase 2 would focus on improving the accuracy of the outputs that AMFinder generates and expanding its functionality to detect different mycorrhizal types. This will build on the preliminary work carried out in phase 1, exploring the potential of a semi-supervised learning approach, and improving the user experience of the tool, by editing the dashboard interfaces and developing pipelines. The AMFinder tool should provide a method for rapid quantification of fungal colonisation in plant roots. Input to the tool will be images of ink-stained fungal structures inside roots mounted on microscopy slides, taken with a digital slide scanner (Panoramic Midi II) at RBG Kew. Adherence to data regulation and standards is essential.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-d97920f5-e6d6-449a-87ae-e620b2419eaa
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/806fcb5c-a6d7-4f28-ae3c-d015408f46ad
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
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Oct 20241 years ago
Submission Deadline
14 Aug 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
14 Aug 20241 years ago
Contract Period
30 Sep 2024 - 31 Mar 2026 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@kew.org
Contact Phone
+442083325000

Buyer Location

Locality
RICHMOND
Postcode
TW9 3AE
Post Town
Twickenham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI7 Outer London - West and North West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI75 Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames
Delivery Location
TLI London
Local Authority
Richmond upon Thames
Electoral Ward
Kew
Westminster Constituency
Richmond Park

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

D-FINE

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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