Award

Honey authenticity -DNA + SORS methods for the authentication of Chinese honey

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

27 Oct 2025 at 11:57

Summary of the contracting process

The recent procurement process led by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) centred on the contract titled "Honey authenticity -DNA + SORS methods for the authentication of Chinese honey". This procurement falls within the services industry category, specifically research and development consultancy services, under the classification CPV 73200000. The buying organisation, the Food Standards Agency, operates from York, United Kingdom. The procurement, completed with the award of the contract to Cranfield University, moved through the stages to the award phase on 27th October 2025. The procurement was conducted using a direct method, below the threshold and without competition, which began its implementation from 27th October 2025 and will conclude by 27th March 2026. The total contract value stands at £91,146.31 gross.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for entities engaged in scientific research and consultancy services, particularly those with expertise in DNA analysis, digital PCR, and metabarcoding methodologies. Cranfield University's involvement highlights the benefits for large academic or research institutions looking to partner on governmental projects centred on food standards and authenticity verification. Such contracts can bolster business growth by showcasing an institution's capability in advanced scientific methods and leveraging this credibility to secure further opportunities in related fields. Businesses with a strong background in public sector collaboration can benefit significantly from participating in similar tenders.

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Notice Title

Honey authenticity -DNA + SORS methods for the authentication of Chinese honey

Notice Description

The FSA required the Supplier to validate and optimize the DNA-based qPCR and SORS methods that were developed in the first feasibility study. This should be done on Chinese honey representative of UK imports and to further investigate the suitability of qPCR, digital PCR and metabarcoding methodologies for honey authenticity purposes.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d418
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/068512-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£75,955 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Oct 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
25 Oct 20254 months ago
Contract Period
27 Oct 2025 - 27 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY
Contact Name
Science 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

CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY

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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