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Metabarcoding validation framework 2026/2027

NATURAL ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

04 Aug 2026 at 14:28

UK4 - Tender Notice
TenderUpdate

30 Jul 2026 at 13:20

UK4 - Tender Notice
TenderUpdate

29 Jul 2026 at 13:24

UK4 - Tender Notice
TenderUpdate

27 Jul 2026 at 13:26

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

24 Jul 2026 at 14:51

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The current tender, titled "Metabarcoding Validation Framework 2026/2027," is managed by Natural England, a central government public authority located in London. The procurement is active and seeks to advance DNA-based monitoring methods used for ecological monitoring. This opportunity, classified under "Research and development services and related consultancy services" and "Environmental training services" (CPV codes: 73000000 and 80540000 respectively), involves expanding an existing validation framework for DNA metabarcoding assays, including literature review, meta-analysis, beta testing, and training material development. The procurement is an open competition, below the threshold, with no electronic submissions allowed. Interested parties must submit their quotations by 9:00 on 17 August 2026, with all inquiries to be submitted by 10 August 2026. The value of this contract is set at £41,666 (net of VAT), and the project is set to commence on 11 September 2026 and conclude by 25 February 2027.

This tender offers considerable opportunities for businesses specialising in research, consultancy, and environmental training services to contribute to the domain of modern ecological monitoring. Companies capable of conducting scientific literature reviews, framework testing, and producing training resources for DNA-based methodologies stand to benefit. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also encouraged to apply, as this lot is deemed suitable for them. Businesses that can provide innovative solutions in DNA diagnostics and assay validations while delivering educational materials will find this tender particularly rewarding in advancing their market presence and technical expertise.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Metabarcoding validation framework 2026/2027

Notice Description

DNA-based methods have the potential to significantly change how we monitor and assess ecosystems. Natural England has been exploring the use of these methods for environmental monitoring for several years, delivering a series of reports which focus on the development of DNA-based methods with potential in a particular area. These methods are now being used more widely within Natural England, particularly the detection of ecological communities using environmental DNA (eDNA). This is often conducted by employing metabarcoding assays which target specific species assemblages (e.g. fish, mammals) or broader taxonomic groups (e.g. vertebrates, invertebrates, bacteria). The DNA Team aims to operationalise DNA-based methods and produces guidance for using them in monitoring projects. In order to provide sound recommendations, it is important that we understand the limitations of, and uncertainties with, DNA-based methods. Natural England staff need to be able to understand how DNA-derived data can be used, and the confidence they can have in data derived using different DNA-based methods which have been validated to different stages. Natural England previously commissioned the development of a framework to enable end users to assess confidence in metabarcoding assays and results (Pagaling and others, under review; a copy of the framework can be provided by Natural England upon request by emailing monitoring.innovation@naturalengland.org.uk). By using the checklist and levelled scale, end users can appropriately interpret results. It also provides validation and reporting standards for the development of new metabarcoding assays. The framework will enable end-users to determine the recommended scenarios for application of a given assay and improve assay performance with further validation. This project will advance the metabarcoding assay validation framework by expanding upon previous work to conduct a further literature review and meta-analysis, covering more assays being used for different purposes and in different contexts. In addition beta testing of the framework and user guide will be required, as well as the creation and delivery of training materials and course .

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d396
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073810-2026
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
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

80540000 - Environmental training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£41,666 Under £100K
Lots Value
£41,666 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Aug 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
17 Aug 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
10 Sep 2026 - 25 Feb 2027 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATURAL ENGLAND
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

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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