Award

Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, ani

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

12 Dec 2025 at 11:22

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The contracting process for "Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, animal and public health" has been successfully awarded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to the University of Plymouth. This procurement falls within the "Research and development consultancy services" industry category and aims to address the environmental impact of topical flea and tick treatments. It involves a call-off from a framework agreement, showcasing its selective procurement method. Located in London, the contracting period spans from 8th December 2025 to 31st March 2026, with the award notice published on 12th December 2025, aligning with Defra's commitment to advancing environmental research.

The awarded tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in environmental research and consultancy services. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly well-suited to compete, given the project's focus on multidisciplinary investigation and environmental protection. With a contract value of £162,055, this project offers potential for expanding research capabilities and contributing to vital public health insights. Engaging in such government-led initiatives can bolster business reputation, attract further partnerships, and drive innovation within the sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, ani

Notice Description

Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, animal and public health and deep dive into use practices. Purpose and Rationale Recent research into the environmental impact of topical flea and tick treatments has focused on environmental monitoring and potential exposure pathways. Perkins and Goulson (2023) analysed Environment Agency (EA) monitoring data from 2016 to 2018 and found that fipronil exceeded chronic toxicity thresholds for aquatic invertebrates at 80% of sites, while imidacloprid exceeded these limits at 35% of sites. They also observed higher concentrations of both substances near wastewater treatment works, suggesting domestic use as a likely source. More recent discussions with the EA indicate that concentrations have remained relatively stable since 2018. Subsequent studies have identified key exposure routes for spot-on treatments, including down-the-drain emissions and dog swimming (Perkins et al., 2024; Yoder et al., 2024; Perkins et al., 2025). Additionally, fipronil and imidacloprid have recently been detected in the nests of songbirds, raising further concerns about environmental contamination (Tassin de Montaigu et al., 2025). While veterinary medicines may not be the sole source, this body of research suggests they are contributing to detectable levels of these substances in aquatic environments and potentially the wider ecosystem.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-e5a58b68-c2bb-436a-9b9a-2fc5cf166cd9
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4642d812-35df-4249-bd35-e23f14242977
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£162,055 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£162,055 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Dec 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
29 Oct 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Nov 20255 months ago
Contract Period
8 Dec 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
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
DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
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
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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