Planning

Software Communications Tool Request for Information

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

05 Dec 2025 at 15:54

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), a central government public authority, has initiated a procurement process for a Software Communications Tool, aiming to enhance communication and soft skills among its diverse workforce. Located in London, UK, the agency is currently in the planning stage of procurement, with the procurement classified under "Software package and information systems." The project targets improving interactions involving inspectors, scientists, and customer service teams, particularly with external stakeholders such as farmers and livestock keepers. The preliminary market engagement notice was published on 5th December 2025, and interested parties are encouraged to submit information requests by 19th January 2026.

This tender presents growth opportunities for businesses specialising in software solutions geared towards communication proficiency, particularly those with capabilities in immersive learning environments. Companies that offer tools for practising real-life scenarios, detecting and managing interaction escalations, and applying effective communication strategies are well-suited to bid for this contract. With a contract period slated from 30th May 2026 to 30th May 2029, small to medium-sized enterprises are particularly encouraged to participate, given the suitability for SME provision, and the potential to forge strong partnerships within the public sector. The procurement is supported through a framework agreement, signifying ongoing opportunities beyond individual contracts.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Software Communications Tool Request for Information

Notice Description

APHA is seeking software solutions to enhance staff communication and soft skills. Our diverse workforce--including inspectors, scientists, and customer service teams--regularly interacts with stakeholders such as farmers and livestock keepers, where clear and empathetic communication is vital. We aim to procure tools that allow staff to practice real-life scenarios, identify early signs of escalation, and apply effective strategies to manage challenging interactions. This investment will help us build confidence, strengthen relationships, and deliver exceptional customer service. Please see attached the Request for Information. If you have any access issues, please email me: izabella.roberts@defra.gov.uk Please note that the contract start and end dates are just indicative.

Planning Information

Please see attached a Request for Information for the Software Communications Tool project.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f00b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/080292-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
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

48 - Software package and information systems

CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
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
19 Jan 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
29 May 2026 - 30 May 2029 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
Izabella Roberts
Contact Email
izabella.roberts@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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