Planning

ODA - Nature Security Research

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

15 Jan 2026 at 10:59

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), a central government public authority located at the Seacole Building in London, is at the planning stage for a project titled "ODA - Nature Security Research". The focus is on research services in the area of UK Nature Security, with the contract set to commence on 1 April 2026 and conclude on 31 March 2029. A workshop to scope requirements is scheduled for 23 January 2026, and potential suppliers should note a future notice expected by 28 February 2026. The procurement falls under the services category with an additional classification of works, and the planned contract value stands at £2,880,000, inclusive of VAT.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the research services sector, especially those specialised in environmental or security studies. It is particularly suited for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) given the suitability criteria. Businesses that can contribute innovative solutions to enhance the UK's nature security are encouraged to engage in the upcoming market engagement activities and prepare for the tendering process, which offers a substantial financial opportunity for growth and collaboration with a major governmental entity like DEFRA.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

ODA - Nature Security Research

Notice Description

A programme to look at UK Nature Security

Planning Information

Workshop to scope requirements

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06066c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003396-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
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

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,400,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
28 Feb 20265 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 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
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
florence.benn1@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

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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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