Sheep Genetic Technical Speciaist Services

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06764f-2026-03-27T11:32:52Z",
    "date": "2026-03-27T11:32:52Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06764f",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-04635113",
            "name": "Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "04635113"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "PO Box 176",
                "locality": "Aberystwyth",
                "postalCode": "SY23 2YA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKL14"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Gareth I L Jones",
                "email": "gjones@hybucig.cymru",
                "telephone": "+447779320081"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://meatpromotion.wales",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "GB-WLS",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_DEVOLVED_REGULATIONS",
                        "description": "Welsh devolved regulations apply"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-COH-04635113",
        "name": "Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "HCC has not published a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice because no preliminary market engagement activities were undertaken prior to commencing this procurement. The Procurement Act 2023 does not oblige contracting authorities to conduct market engagement, and therefore no PME notice is required where such engagement has not taken place. Given the nature of the requirement and the maturity of the market for sheep genetics technical services, HCC determined that the procurement could be conducted effectively without prior market engagement. Avoiding preliminary engagement also ensured that no supplier received information that could distort competition or confer an unfair advantage, consistent with sections 16-17 of the Act. The competitive process has instead been launched directly via the Tender Notice, ensuring full transparency, equal treatment, and open access to all interested suppliers."
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "HCCMPW-2627-01",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Sheep Genetic Technical Speciaist Services",
        "description": "Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is required to deliver the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP) on behalf of Welsh Government. Welsh Government's ambition and challenge is to continue to reduce greenhouse gases by improving efficiencies on farm to achieve a cumulative effect whilst maintaining the production of high quality and sustainable food. Seen as part of both short term and long-term response to the sectors role in climate change mitigation, support for genetic improvement of the Welsh sheep industry is crucial. This project seeks to build on the previous work funded by Welsh Government to support the uptake of genetic improvement within the Welsh sheep flock. The activity will look to further develop activity that has been delivered through the Hill Ram Scheme (HRS) and the first phase of WSGP, which was undertaken as part of Farming Connect. The proposed programme will be designed to meet the specific needs of the Welsh sheep sector in advancing genetic improvement. It will support participating businesses by assessing their current baseline performance, identifying key performance indicators relevant to their farming system and develop tailored action plans. Each plan will include clear, evidence-based recommendations to enhance genetic progress at the individual farm level, whilst collecting valuable information that could highlight the wider-sectoral benefits of the activity. Phase 2 of the WSGP will deliver the following objectives: * Improve economic and environmental performance of Welsh sheep farms (including methods to address decarbonisation of the red meat sector) * Increase uptake and confidence in EBVs and genomic EBVs * Grow a critical mass of performance-recorded and genotyped flocks in Wales * Enable and encourage sheep farmers to make evidence-based breeding and purchasing decisions * Support a long-term transition to farmer-led genetic improvement within the national flock in Wales * Exploring genetic improvement as a natural and impactful way to assist lowering the carbon footprint of the sheep sector in Wales. HCC is seeking a supplier to provide technical expertise in sheep genetics and support for the delivery of the project in relation to the activities detailed below: The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme The core requirement of the WSGP is to improve the understanding and uptake of EBVs and Genomic EBVs within the Welsh sheep sector. It is envisaged that the programme will be delivered through the following stages; Transition support for existing participants of the WSGP who wish to continue in Phase 2 Initially, the priority will be to provide a seamless transition for current participants of the WSGP into Phase 2. This will seek to maintain and maximise the data collection opportunity for the 2026 lambing season. Approximately 60 flocks actively participated at the end of the first phase of the programme, with various degrees of experience and understanding within the field of sheep genetics. For the final year of Phase 1 of the WSGP, 42 flocks with an average 119 lambs undertook DNA Sampling (a total of circa. 5,000 lambs for the year). 60 flocks undertook backfat scanning with an average of 228 lambs scanned. It is expected that the number of flocks participating in the programme increase in Phase 2, with the average number of lambs per farm remaining relatively stable. Identify and recruit a suitable range of participating farms & breeds Once it is known how many existing participants will transfer over to Phase 2 of the WSGP, there will be opportunities to expand the offer to new businesses. It Is envisaged the recruitment of participating businesses to be a mix of: * Those experienced in genetic improvement of sheep - this is to ensure a continued level of knowledge and data which can be shared with other farming businesses who are looking at genetics * Those who have already started on engaging with genetic improvement, but require further assistance to develop their knowledge, understanding and confidence. * Those who are new to the process. The level of support will be proportionate to the participating businesses experience of the subject, but the goal will be for beneficiaries having the practical knowledge and expertise to undertake the work independently. Identify KPIs and create an Action Plan for participating businesses - working with the eligible businesses in identifying their current baseline performance, KPIs will be identified for the businesses, and an action plan created with clear recommendations for participating businesses at the end of the programme. Provide a pathway report for options for future support in this field - using lessons learnt from Phase 1 of the WSGP and from similar schemes and programmes provided in Wales and the UK, a pathway report for potential future options for support in this field will be undertaken. Develop additional applicable innovative projects - during the programme there will be potential to develop innovative projects linked to work within the sheep genetics sphere. This may include continuing with existing projects developed under the WSGP, or proposals for new projects or a combination of both. HCC requires suppliers who can provide sheep genetics expertise and support for the delivery of the project in relation to the following activities. The contract will run until 31 March 2029.",
        "status": "active",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "77110000",
                        "description": "Services incidental to agricultural production"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 1440000,
            "amount": 1200000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "features": "Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is conducting this procurement using the Competitive Flexible Procedure (CFP) in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, as stated in the ITT. The CFP allows HCC to design a procurement process that is tailored to the requirements of the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP) and the technical nature of the services sought. Under the CFP, HCC has set out a structured but adaptable multi-stage process which begins with the publication of a Contract Notice on the Find a Tender Service and Sell2Wales. This invitation to tender contains the Instructions to Tenderers, the submission requirements, the evaluation method and the draft agreement. The procedure provides flexibility for HCC to manage clarifications, modify timescales if necessary, and request further information from tenderers where proportionate. The ITT defines the procurement stages clearly: Stage 1: A compliance check ensuring submitted tenders meet the ITT requirements and include all necessary documents. Tenders failing mandatory requirements may be rejected at this stage. Stage 2: A detailed quality and financial evaluation of compliant tenders. Tenderers are assessed against weighted criteria covering genetic expertise, flock support, research capabilities, and the skills and experience of key personnel. Stage 3: Verification of supplier acceptability, including exclusion grounds, economic and financial standing, sustainability, equal opportunities, and health and safety compliance. The CFP enables HCC to consider and clarify tender submissions where appropriate, including the ability to request additional information to ensure fair and transparent evaluation. It also supports the inclusion of bespoke requirements, such as: Multi-year delivery until March 2029, Detailed service specifications for WSGP Phase 2, Highly technical capability assessments, and Verification of staff qualifications (e.g., backfat scanning accreditation) and experience in sheep genetics. Following evaluation, HCC will issue tender outcome notifications, implement a standstill period, and subsequently confirm contract award. The CFP also allows HCC to amend the ITT or clarify requirements during the competition period when necessary for fairness and transparency. The procedure expressly provides HCC with the right to abandon the process, not award a contract, or modify the procurement where justified. The competitive nature of the CFP is maintained through openness of the tender opportunity, defined scoring systems, and adherence to the Procurement Act 2023 requirements. At the same time, its built-in flexibility enables HCC to structure the process in a way that accommodates the complexity of genetic improvement services, including research functions, data management protocols, KPIs, and technical project delivery. Overall, the CFP in this ITT is used as a flexible, multi-stage competitive process that ensures transparency, proportionality, competition, and adaptability. It supports the selection of a technically capable supplier able to deliver the specialist requirements of the WSGP, while maintaining the procedural safeguards and obligations set out under the Procurement Act 2023."
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Find a Tender (FTS) or Sell2Wales Web Site. The tender will need to be submitted via the Sell2Wales post-box facility. https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/ Any Response to ITT which is received by HCC after 12.00 on 21 April 2026 may be excluded from this tender process. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the Response to ITT is actually received by the deadline detailed above. HCC accepts no responsibility for the shortcomings of any delivery system or for any lost, delayed or defective Response to ITT. It is up to you to ensure that your Response to ITT is prepared in good time (taking into account the possibility of staff absences or technical failures) and is submitted in advance of the deadline for receipt of the Response to ITT set out in this paragraph 6.",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en",
                "cy"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-21T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-14T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-28T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 1440000,
                    "amount": 1200000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "cost",
                            "name": "Financial",
                            "description": "The lowest priced bid received will be awarded the maximum weight (30%).",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "description": "Within the Quality criteria there are sub-criteria that HCC will use to evaluate each tenderer's Part B Tender Response",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "1. Legal Capacity Conditions These conditions ensure the tenderer is legally able to enter into and perform the contract. A.1 - Exclusion Grounds (Legal Eligibility) Tenderers must confirm that none of the mandatory or discretionary exclusion grounds apply, covering: Criminal offences (fraud, bribery, corruption, money laundering, terrorism, tax evasion) Breaches of tax or social security obligations Grave professional misconduct Competition law breaches Conflicts of interest Distortion arising from prior involvement Misrepresentation or withholding of information Failure to pass these checks may result in automatic exclusion. A.1.3 - Conflicts of Interest Tenderers must declare any conflicts and may be excluded if a conflict cannot be mitigated. A.2.2 - Legal Status & Registration Tenderers must declare: Their legal form (e.g., Ltd, LLP, sole trader, partnership, consortium) Company registration number (if applicable) Registered name and address Authorised contact person If bidding as a consortium, they must disclose full organisational structure and responsibilities. Statutory Compliance Requirements (implicit legal conditions) Tenderers must also: Comply with equalities legislation Comply with environmental legislation Comply with health & safety legislation Failure in these areas results in a fail under A.4, A.5, or A.6. 2. Financial Capacity Conditions These conditions assess financial standing and stability to ensure the tenderer is capable of delivering a multi-year contract to 2029. A.2.1 - VAT Registration Tenderers must disclose VAT registration status. Incorrect information can lead to exclusion. A.2.4 - Profitability Tenderers must confirm whether they have been profitable in each of the last two financial years. Where not profitable, they must provide justification and financial evidence demonstrating continued viability. A.2.5 - Acid Test Ratio Tenderers must confirm their acid-test ratio is greater than 1, unless a justified explanation is provided. This is a financial stability requirement and may be grounds for exclusion if not met. A.2.6 - Insurance Requirements Tenderers must have, or commit to obtain, the following minimum insurance levels before contract commencement: Public Liability: PS1,000,000 Employers' Liability: PS5,000,000 Professional Indemnity: PS5,000,000 Failure to evidence insurance at award stage results in immediate termination of award. Financial Identification & Contact Information Tenderers must provide: Financial contact person details Evidence or statements regarding turnover, profitability, liquidity"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "1. Demonstrated relevant experience (Part A.3.2) Tenderers must demonstrate technical competence by providing up to three relevant contracts delivered in the past five years, including: Description of goods/services delivered Relevance to the WSGP requirements Evidence of successful delivery Contract value and delivery period This is a mandatory requirement, and tenderers who cannot demonstrate relevant technical experience may be deemed non-compliant. If the bidder lacks direct experience, they must provide evidence of newly acquired technical capability, such as: New specialist staff New equipment Merged or acquired capabilities This forms the core technical ability condition of participation. 2. Required technical skills and expertise To be technically capable, suppliers must demonstrate that they can deliver all specified WSGP Phase 2 activities. These include: a. Sheep genetics expertise Tenderers must show competence in: Understanding and applying Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) Supporting development of Genomic EBVs Providing expert technical advice to HCC Interpreting EBVs and designing breeding strategies b. Flock support technical requirements Suppliers must have demonstrable capability to: Support 60 existing flocks with pedigree and phenotype recording Assist new flocks joining WSGP (including DNA sampling and genotyping) Support data collection, analysis and KPI reporting Produce tailored Genetic Action Plans for each farm Provide technical guidance on GHG reduction through genetics c. Mandatory technical accreditation The ITT specifies a mandatory technical skill: Ultrasonic backfat scanning of lambs, Staff must be accredited/validated to perform scanning. This is a direct technical condition of participation. d. Research and Development capability The supplier must demonstrate capacity to: Plan and deliver sheep genetics R&D projects Produce new phenotypes and develop EBVs / Genomic EBVs Use established global methodologies Analyse data and report outcomes to HCC Support development of traits linked to reduced emissions These form part of the essential technical expertise required. 3. Staff competence requirements The ITT requires suppliers to provide sufficient technically competent staff. This includes: Specialists in sheep genetics Staff able to deliver on-farm technical advice Staff accredited for backfat scanning Staff qualified to support DNA testing and genomic EBV development Staff CVs demonstrating these skills are required under Part B.5, but their technical capability is a condition of participation because the contract cannot be delivered without these competencies. 4. Ability to comply with technical data, reporting, and project management obligations Technical competence also includes the ability to: Manage confidential flock performance data Deliver analysis at each data collection point Produce annual reports Maintain dialogue with HCC and industry stakeholders Support recruitment and onboarding of new flocks These are operational technical requirements integral to contract performance."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-05-12T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "L-4",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "IT Instructions",
                "url": "https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=365150"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-5",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Appendix 1 - Draft Services Agreement",
                "url": "https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=365151"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-6",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "Appendix 2 - Response to ITT Template",
                "url": "https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Assets/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=365152"
            },
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "028424-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/028424-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-03-27T11:32:52Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "Payment Terms In adherence to the Procurement Act 2023 payment will be made within 30-days of receipt of valid invoice, with invoices to be issued in accordance with the payment scheduled agreed before or at contract award. For an invoice to be considered valid and acceptable for payment it must be sent electronically (i.e. via email) and must include the following information as minimum: The name of the supplier; A description of the goods, services and/or works supplied to Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (as applicable); The sum requested; and A unique invoice reference / number. All invoices are to be submitted to purchases@hybucig.cymru Should an invoice be considered invalid and/or the sum payable is disputed the supplier shall be notified as soon as practicable and the 30-day payment term will be considered on-hold until all queries are resolved."
        },
        "riskDetails": "The ITT outlines several operational, technical, compliance and programme-level risks that could affect successful delivery of the Sheep Genetic Technical Specialist Services contract through to March 2029. 1. Technical Delivery Risks The contract requires advanced expertise in sheep genetics, EBVs, genomic EBVs, phenotype recording, and DNA sampling. Failure to provide staff with the required technical skills, including accredited ultrasonic backfat scanning, may lead to inaccurate data, missed deadlines and reduced quality of breeding recommendations. Loss of key personnel or insufficient staffing capacity could impede delivery of ongoing flock support, technical advice and research outputs. 2. Data Quality and Reporting Risks The programme depends on high-quality, timely pedigree and performance recording from ~87 existing flocks plus new entrants. Inconsistent methodologies, data gaps, or late DNA samples risk undermining EBV calculations, KPI development and Action Plans. Failure to meet reporting obligations--annual interim reports, analysis following data-collection points, and the final pathway report--may disrupt Welsh Government oversight and reduce sector impact. 3. Flock Recruitment and Engagement Risks Phase 2 requires smooth transition of current WSGP flocks and recruitment of new ones. Delays or weak engagement could reduce data volume, weaken representativeness and slow progress toward programme goals. Variation in farmer experience necessitates tailored guidance; poor support could lead to disengagement or inconsistent adoption of genetic improvement practices. 4. Research and Development Risks The contract includes developing new phenotypes, EBVs and genomic tools consistent with global methodologies. Insufficient R&D capacity may limit innovation, delay scientific outputs and reduce the programme's ability to evidence environmental benefits, including greenhouse-gas reduction potential. 5. Policy and Environmental Impact Risks The programme contributes to Welsh Government climate and sustainability commitments. Failure to demonstrate how genetics supports emissions reduction or sustainable farming could weaken policy justification and future funding. Misalignment with policy requirements (e.g., Well-being of Future Generations Act) may undermine strategic outcomes. 6. Data Governance and Compliance Risks The ITT requires strict confidentiality and compliance with data-protection legislation. Any breach of flock-level data, genomic data, or personal information risks reputational damage, farmer distrust and legal consequences. Failure to meet GDPR obligations (e.g., data retention, security, responding to requests) could trigger contractual penalties. 7. Operational Coordination Risks The supplier must work closely with HCC, the WSGP delivery team and wider stakeholders. Ineffective communication or slow response times may cause errors, delays and inconsistent messaging to farmers. Failure to maintain ongoing dialogue, as required in the ITT, could undermine programme cohesion. 8. Insurance and Legal Compliance Risks The supplier must maintain specified insurance levels and comply with health & safety, environmental and equal-opportunities legislation. Lapses could result in immediate termination. Failure to meet audit obligations--allowing review by HCC, the Auditor General Wales or Welsh Government--may trigger remedial actions or contractual consequences. 9. External Disruption Risks Events such as an Animal Disease Incident may suspend on-farm activity, interrupt data collection and delay scanning or sampling. The Services Agreement allows HCC to suspend or terminate in such circumstances, creating uncertainty in long-term delivery. 10. Financial and Resource Risks Insufficient financial stability, staffing shortages or over-commitment may impair service delivery, especially given multi-year support requirements. Though rates are fixed, inefficient delivery or resource pressures could hinder the contractor's ability to fulfil both core and ad-hoc tasks."
    },
    "language": "en"
}