This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Award

31 Jul 2026 at 08:57

Award

05 Jun 2026 at 10:30

TenderUpdate

09 Apr 2026 at 12:42

Tender

26 Mar 2026 at 09:14

Summary of the contracting process

The recent procurement process led by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) focuses on a "4-year Fellowship - endpoint toxicity for a mixture of chemicals" project. Situated in York, the agency is tasked with ensuring food safety in the UK and has contracted the University of Birmingham to spearhead this research. The project lies under the industry category of Research and Development Services and encompasses various locations including Birmingham, where the supplier is based. This tender has reached the Award stage with a contract signed on 30th July 2026. The procurement was conducted using an open procedure, starting on 15th June 2026, and carries a gross value of approximately £796,278. The contract period extends until 28th March 2030, with an optional six-month extension. This research initiative aligns with the FSA's strategy, focusing on the safety of food by assessing mixtures of chemicals using new scientific methodologies.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in the research and development sector, particularly those specialising in chemical analysis and risk assessment. The emphasis on in-silico and in-vitro methodologies provides a substantial niche for companies adept in these advanced scientific techniques. Organisations with strong collaborative frameworks and the capacity to work alongside governmental bodies may find this contract particularly beneficial due to its focus on cross-departmental collaboration. Additionally, firms with expertise in enhancing scientific capability and developing data systems will find opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research, potentially fostering long-term partnerships and influence within public health domains.

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/072516-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

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

73111000 - Research laboratory services

73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£670,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£670,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
£663,565 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
£663,565 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Jul 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
14 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
3 Jun 20262 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jul 2026 - 28 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active, Pending
Contracts Status
Active

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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