Tender

4-year Fellowship - endpoint toxicity for a mixture of chemicals

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

09 Apr 2026 at 12:42

Tender

26 Mar 2026 at 09:14

Summary of the contracting process

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is conducting a tender process for a four-year fellowship project titled "Endpoint Toxicity for a Mixture of Chemicals" focusing on research and development services. Located in York, United Kingdom, this open procurement procedure is active in the industry category of "Research and Development Consultancy Services" under CPV codes 73000000 and 73200000. The initiative aligns with the FSA Strategy 2022-2027, specifically targeting food safety, and involves using in-silico and in-vitro New Approach Methodologies to evaluate chemical mixtures in food. The enquiry period closes on 13th April 2026, with submission deadlines extended to 14th May 2026. The contract period runs from 15th June 2026 to 31st March 2030, with potential for a six-month extension.

This tender offers a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in research and development, particularly those with expertise in chemical risk assessment or related consultancy services. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations are especially encouraged to apply, as the procurement process explicitly supports these entities. By participating, businesses have the chance to collaborate on a pivotal project with cross-government significance, fostering an environment for innovation and scientific advancement. The procurement method is open and details on submission are available through the e-Commercial System (Atamis), promising a transparent and competitive selection process for qualified candidates.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

4-year Fellowship - endpoint toxicity for a mixture of chemicals

Notice Description

This research project being tendered links to the FSA Strategy 2022-2027. This strategy is based around the FSA's mission, food you can trust, alongside three key pillars: food is safe; food is what it says it is; food is healthier and more sustainable. The proposed project focuses on the first pillar, that food is safe, and by generating a new scientific case study focused on the assessment of mixtures of chemicals using in-silico and in-vitro New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), it will enable us to further protect consumers from chemical hazards and enable consumers to be empowered to make informed choices around the food that they eat. The Chemical, Radiological and Allergy (Food Hypersensitivity) Research and Evidence Programme (ChemRA REP) is a wider programme of work, under which this research project will sit. This research programme covers one of the FSAs Areas of research interest | Food Standards Agency (ARI) and sits under research priority two: chemical, radiological, and food hypersensitivity risks. Chemicals are present in food and feed whether they are added intentionally, the result of contamination, malicious intent, or simply naturally occurring. The main aim of this Research Programme is to conduct research on these chemicals, which may be present in food and feed. This research aligns with the FSA's second Area of Research Interest on chemicals, specifically addressing the question: What new analytical tests or novel approach methods can we use to assess these hazards and their impact on consumers?'. The goal of this project is to use in-silico and in-vitro NAMs to assess the hazards from chemical mixtures in food, and their impact on consumers, from assessing human relevant endpoints. The project also aims to develop cross government collaboration by aiming to improve data systems, encourage collaborative working, and enhance scientific capability across government departments.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Optional 6-month extension. Breakpoints: Continuation of the contract will be subject to (1) successful recruitment of the Fellow within 4-6 months of contract start, and (2) satisfactory annual progress reviews each March, to align with agreed milestones, the annual Committee on Toxicity presentation, and annual written updates.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067482
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032410-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£670,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£670,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
14 May 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
14 Jun 2026 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

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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