Award

Determination of background levels of PFAS in a variety of foods

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

01 Jun 2026 at 09:44

Award

01 May 2026 at 07:41

Award

29 Apr 2026 at 13:01

Summary of the contracting process

The Food Standards Agency, a central government public authority based in York, initiated a tender with the title "Determination of background levels of PFAS in a variety of foods," aiming to assess the concentration levels of PFAS in foods consumed and produced in the UK. The procurement process is a direct award, granted under the Procurement Act 2023's allowance for additional or repeat services to the existing supplier, Fera Science Ltd., based in York. The contract, signed on 29 May 2026, has a primary focus on research and development services within the scientific consultancy sector. The project commenced on 1 June 2026 and is set to conclude by 31 March 2028, with a possible extension up to March 2029.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in research development, particularly those with capabilities in food safety analysis and consultancy services. Large scale enterprises, akin to Fera Science Ltd., which can handle the technical demands of continuity and compatibility with existing services, would be well-positioned to compete for such contracts. The project supports innovation in addressing data gaps in the UK’s food safety landscape, potentially paving the way for expanded roles in future government policy and risk analysis processes. Engaging in this contract could enhance a business's standing in the research development sector and establish influential links within government procurement circles.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Determination of background levels of PFAS in a variety of foods

Notice Description

This research project aims to increase the Food Standards Agency's understanding about the concentration levels of PFAS in food products consumed in the UK and includes those grown or reared in the UK. The data will help to reduce some of the current data gaps in the evidence base. This will therefore enable a more accurate assessment of the risk to human health as well as identify any issues to take through the FSA's risk analysis process and support future policy requirements/decision making.

Procurement Information

Under the Procurement Act 2023, an STA is permitted based on "Additional or repeat goods, services or works - Sch. 5 para" The public contract concerns the supply of goods, services or works by the existing supplier which are intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing goods, services or works in circumstances where-- (a)a change in supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving goods, services or works that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing goods, services or works, and (b)the difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation or maintenance.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068e0f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051255-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
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

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£199,464 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
28 Apr 20261 months ago
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 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

FERA SCIENCE

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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