Award

Evidence Review: International comparisons of higher environmental production standards in public sector food procurement

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

02 Mar 2026 at 14:11

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), located in London, has initiated a public procurement process with the title "Evidence Review: International comparisons of higher environmental production standards in public sector food procurement." This contract relates to research and development consultancy services within the central government sector and targets the enhancement of environmental standards in public sector food procurement across England. The procurement stage is in the award phase, having been completed, and the contract commences on 25th February 2026, concluding on 22nd June 2026. The procurement follows a "Below threshold - unknown" method, focusing on exploring international standards in food procurement to bolster environmentally sustainable practices within the public sector.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in research and consultancy services, particularly those with expertise in environmental sustainability and public procurement strategies. Eunomia, a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in Bristol, is already actively engaged in this contract, suggesting that other SMEs with relevant capabilities could benefit from similar engagements. Companies with experience in international environmental standards, food certifications, and sustainable procurement practices would be well-suited to compete and excel in projects that strive to match global benchmarks and foster domestic environmental production standards. Businesses eager to influence policy and environmental strategies within the public sector food procurement domain can utilise this opportunity to expand their influence and operations.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Evidence Review: International comparisons of higher environmental production standards in public sector food procurement

Notice Description

The Government has a manifesto commitment which sets ambition for at least half of all food purchased by the public sector to be produced locally or certified to higher environmental standards. Our aim is therefore to develop evidence-based policies to increase the amount of environmentally sustainable food in the public sector to support delivery of the manifesto commitment and maximise the benefits derived from the PS4.9bn annual public spend on public sector food procurement. Defra would like to develop an understanding of how other World Trade Organisation (WTO) signatory countries define HEPS, as well as the strategies used by them to increase the proportion of HEPS-equivalent food (organic or integrated farm management certifications) procured by the public sector. This includes considering the extent to which increased domestic production of HEPS-equivalent food is instrumental in increasing the procurement of HEPS-equivalent food in the public sector or, conversely, how increasing HEPS-equivalent targets in public procurement affects domestic HEPS-equivalent production and key markets. Increasing our understanding and evidence base of what has worked elsewhere, what needs to be true to replicate successes and how the UK situation differs will enable us to draw from established examples in developing our own approach to increasing the proportion of HEPS food in the public sector in England.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065fbb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/018491-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - unknown
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
£49,985 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
25 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
25 Feb 2026 - 22 Jun 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

EUNOMIA

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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