Award

Defra audit scientific expertise 22-24

NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

AwardUpdate

03 Oct 2025 at 10:59

Award

26 Apr 2022 at 13:29

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement contract titled "Defra audit scientific expertise 22-24" was initiated by the National Audit Office, located in London, England. Classified under financial auditing services, this contract involves the provision of scientific expertise for auditing the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)'s handling of foot and mouth disease and metal mine water treatment liabilities. The contract was awarded to James Hutton Ltd through a direct procurement method, following a single tender action below the threshold. The procurement stage is now complete, with the contract spanning from 1st April 2022 to 31st December 2025. The total value of the contract stands at GBP 110,727.6, with the tender initially closing on 4th March 2022. Key activities include verifying site management approaches, cost assessments, and factoring climate change impacts.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in financial auditing services, particularly those with expertise in environmental audits and regulatory compliance. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to explore such contracts, as the procurement process supports their growth, although it is not specified for voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs). The contract's focus on long-term liability management and scientific validation requires specialists with knowledge in environmental risk assessment and audit practices. Engaging in this type of procurement can position businesses strategically within the public sector and enhance their experience in handling high-stakes environmental audits.

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Notice Title

Defra audit scientific expertise 22-24

Notice Description

The National Audit Office (NAO) awarded a contract to James Hutton Institute who would be providing 3 audits cycles (21/22, 22/23, 23/24) with appropriate scientific expertise to enable sufficient appropriate evidence for the Defra audit of the foot and mouth disease and metal mine water treatment liabilities. The contract commenced on Friday 1st April 2022 to Wednesday 31st December 2025.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-e15b5538-bf1f-447e-90e9-57cf5cf5fd22
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/1f253bb4-ed0b-4579-a710-10c278383571
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Single tender action (below threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79212100 - Financial auditing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£110,727 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£110,727 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
4 Mar 2022Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
16 Mar 20223 years ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2022 - 31 Dec 2025 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
NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE
Contact Name
Tania Khan
Contact Email
nao.procurement@nao.org.uk
Contact Phone
02077987000

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1W 9SP
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
Pimlico North
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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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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