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Linking phenotypes to WGS from foodborne bacterial pathogens

Food Standards Agency

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

27 Aug 2026 at 09:47

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Food Standards Agency commissioned a three-year scientific research project linking phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing results with whole-genome sequencing data from foodborne bacterial pathogens. The work involves testing a subset of foodborne bacterial isolates that are undergoing whole-genome sequencing, with the aim of linking laboratory phenotype information to genomic data. It is a research and development service, including related consultancy, rather than a supply of goods or construction work. Delivery covers the United Kingdom. The requirement is relevant to organisations with expertise in foodborne pathogen surveillance, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, laboratory research and analysis of bacterial isolates. The procurement was identified as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community or social enterprises, although the selected provider is a large organisation.

The procurement is complete and has been awarded through a direct award, using a Single Tender Action under the Procurement Act 2023. UKHSA was selected because the Food Standards Agency determined that the services could be supplied only by that provider for technical and exclusive reasons, with no competition available. The award was recorded on 27 August 2026. The awarded value is £299,986.59 excluding tax, or £359,983.91 including tax. The contract period runs from 14 September 2026 to 31 March 2029. The award is above the relevant threshold. One lot covered the complete requirement. The award includes options in the form of break clauses at the end of each project phase, and a contract signature milestone was scheduled for 10 September 2026.

This procurement demonstrates demand from the Food Standards Agency for integrated food microbiology and genomic research, particularly work that connects antimicrobial susceptibility testing with whole-genome sequencing of foodborne bacterial isolates. A credible future supplier would need established laboratory capability, suitable capacity for handling representative samples, and experience designing and delivering scientific testing programmes. Technical strength in analytical method development, validation, data quality assurance and interpretation would be important, alongside the ability to manage sequencing and phenotypic results as a linked evidence base. Suppliers should also be able to maintain continuity when sample quality or availability changes, manage equipment and stakeholder dependencies, and control risks affecting delivery, scope, approvals, budget and research outcomes. The requirement is suitable in principle for SMEs and mission-led organisations with these specialist capabilities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Linking phenotypes to WGS from foodborne bacterial pathogens

Notice Description

This requirement is a three-year research project of phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) on a subset of foodborne bacterial isolates undergoing WGS.

Procurement Information

The requirement meets the criteria for a Single Tender Action (Direct Award) under the Act, as the services can be supplied only by a particular supplier (UKHSA) due to the absence of competition for technical and exclusive reasons.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ed39
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081615-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£299,986 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
14 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

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
Postcode Area
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

UKHSA

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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