Award

High geochemical lead survey

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

05 Dec 2025 at 15:27

Award

12 Nov 2025 at 11:09

Tender

26 Sep 2025 at 07:34

Summary of the contracting process

In the latest procurement process, the Food Standards Agency, based in York, United Kingdom, awarded a public contract for the "High geochemical lead survey" to Fera Science Ltd, a large-scale supplier located in the same area. The contract addresses the sampling of lead in food from high geochemical lead regions across Great Britain, aiming to assess potential chemical hazards. The contract commenced on 8th December 2025 and will conclude on 31st March 2027. The open procedure method was utilised in this tender, indicating a competitive and inclusive bidding process, with all necessary documentation and award details being finalised by 5th December 2025.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in research and development, particularly those involved in consultancy services related to chemical hazards. Companies excelling in survey services, particularly in environmental risk assessment, would find this contract suitable for expanding their scope of work. Although awarded to a large supplier, the open procurement method suggests potential future opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs in similar fields. The strategic insights derived from this survey will likely influence long-term policy decisions, providing participating firms with valuable experience and credentials in the public sector.

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Notice Title

High geochemical lead survey

Notice Description

Sampling for lead in food produced or grown in high geochemical lead areas of the GB. The levels of lead present in food can vary depending on several factors, one being the presence of (high) levels of geochemical lead in the location in which food products have or are being grown or reared. There are maximum levels for lead in some foods and due to the variable nature of the presence of geochemical lead throughout the UK, it is necessary that the FSA has an understanding on the levels of lead in food products grown or reared in medium/high geochemical lead (ranges TBD from literature data). The work is considered one of the FSA's main areas of research interest (under chemical hazards; including nanomaterials and microplastics) and will be used to inform long-term policy and/or strategic decision making.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a2aa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080263-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

14 - Mining, basic metals and related products

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

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


CPV Codes

14712000 - Lead

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

79311000 - Survey services

79311300 - Survey analysis services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£199,551 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£199,551 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
27 Oct 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
12 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
8 Dec 2025 - 31 Mar 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active, Pending
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY
Contact Name
SERD Category Manager
Contact Email
fsa.commercial@food.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

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

FERA SCIENCE

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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