Planning

Diagnostic test for Mammalian TB

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Dec 2025 at 15:47

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), a central government public authority, is in the planning stage of a procurement process aiming to gather information on diagnostic tests for mammalian tuberculosis. This process is part of the agency's strategy to control TB particularly in badgers, enhance understanding of TB in wildlife, and assess risks to livestock. Interested parties are invited to submit relevant details by 30th January 2026, contributing insights into products under development, technological aspects, and potential deployment methods. Located at Seacole Building, London, APHA is gathering market intelligence until September 2026, with future contract commencement scheduled from April 2027 covering the period until March 2030.

This procurement process offers significant business opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers of diagnostic kits, especially those capable of producing field-deployable tests. Businesses with expertise in diagnostic technologies, including SMEs, can leverage this opportunity to collaborate with APHA, which might involve incorporating APHA-specified diagnostic targets. Suppliers prepared to provide competitive pricing and meet outlined requirements will have the chance to engage with APHA, enhancing their visibility and reputation within the public health sector. This could lead to significant growth, especially as the procurement exceeds the current threshold and involves goods critical to wildlife and livestock health management.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Diagnostic test for Mammalian TB

Notice Description

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking to identify existing and potential manufacturers and/or suppliers of field-deployable diagnostic tests for mammalian tuberculosis, including those with products currently under development or those willing to collaborate with APHA to create such solutions. Information is required (detailed in the 'Engagement' section below) on the development status of mammalian diagnostic tests that could become available for use in 2026 or 2027. This market intelligence will support the strategy for controlling mammalian tuberculosis (particularly in badgers), improve understanding of TB epidemiology in wildlife reservoirs, and assess potential transmission risks to livestock. At this stage, APHA is gathering market intelligence only; therefore, estimated volumes and a contract value are not provided.

Planning Information

Interested organisations are invited to submit the requested information (outlined below), via email, to Melanie Swain (melanie.swain@defra.gov.uk), by 30th January 2026: - Details of any suitable product(s) currently under development. - The type(s) of test being developed or already available. - The underlying technology used in the test(s). - Practical considerations for field deployment, including portability, power requirements, and methods for obtaining and recording test results. - Knowledge or training requirements for operators/end-users. - Ability and willingness to incorporate diagnostic targets into the test (e.g., antigens) as specified by APHA. - Whether antigen production capability exists alongside test production. - The nature and minimum volume of the diagnostic sample required for testing. - Time required to obtain a test result. - Operational temperature range. - Storage conditions and shelf-life. - Species for which the test is developed or intended. - Expected or demonstrated performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values (positive and negative). - Any data on cross-reactivity with environmental mycobacteria, BCG vaccine (DIVA capability), or other common pathogens. - Information on validation, reproducibility, and repeatability. - Estimated date of product availability. - Evidence of use in other regions or countries. - Details of any licences or certifications held or required. - Indicative wholesale and retail pricing information, if available. This Notice is for information-gathering purposes only. It does not constitute a call for competition and does not guarantee any future procurement activity. Should a tender opportunity arise, suppliers will need to formally express their interest following the publication of a Contract Notice on Find a Tender. APHA reserves the right to follow up with suppliers on a 1:1 basis to further understand their capabilities regarding this requirement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f005
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080283-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33141625 - Diagnostic kits

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Dec 20252 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
4 Sep 20269 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY
Contact Name
Melanie Swain
Contact Email
melanie.swain@defra.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

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

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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