---
title: "VM0586 Calf Rearers - RDE Framework mini comp"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-38278725-f84b-48ed-95c2-dbc0c187542f"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-38278725-f84b-48ed-95c2-dbc0c187542f"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-38278725-f84b-48ed-95c2-dbc0c187542f.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-38278725-f84b-48ed-95c2-dbc0c187542f.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEFRA"
published: "2026-02-17"
---

# VM0586 Calf Rearers - RDE Framework mini comp

Buyer: DEFRA  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-38278725-f84b-48ed-95c2-dbc0c187542f

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## Summary

This procurement process, commissioned by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), titled "VM0586 Calf Rearers - RDE Framework mini comp", pertains to research and development consultancy services, specifically focusing on antibiotic use in the calf rearing sector. Located in the UK, the tender utilised a selective procurement method, specifically a call-off from a framework agreement. The procurement stage has reached the award phase, with SRUC Innovation Ltd selected as the supplier. The contract, valued at £108,794.02, began on 12th February 2026 and will conclude on 31st March 2027.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses with expertise in livestock research, particularly those with a keen understanding of the UK agricultural sector and experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Companies proficient in creating comprehensive reports that can inform both internal and external stakeholders, including publication possibilities, may find this contract conducive to growth. Organisations that can effectively liaise with veterinary professionals and understand the intricacies of the beef x dairy calf industry, even if they are not SMEs, could gain considerable advantage from this opportunity.

## Notice

This project is being commissioned by the VMD. The scope of this research is a literature review to review evidence gaps in antibiotic use and prescribing practices in the calf rearing sector. Mixed method research inquiry to be completed involves qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis of veterinary surgeons working in the calf rearing sector. Requirement The key requirement for the research is the ability to access cattle veterinary surgeons who are able to provide feedback for the project. In addition, the researcher should have sufficient background knowledge of the UK livestock and agricultural sector, specifically cattle and ideally knowledge of the beef x dairy calf sector. It is required that the bidding party can explain their intended approach to the methodology to ensure a sample of the beef x dairy calf industry that is as representative as possible. In addition, this project is intended to be a mixed method project therefore, ability to collect and process both qualitative and quantitative data is required. A key deliverable at the end of the project is an internal report outlining the key findings from the study. Any quotations from participants should be anonymised so vets cannot be identifiable. In discussion with the VMD, a publication/journal article summarising the key findings for external stakeholders is also encouraged. This project should cover as many UK regions as possible. However, it is more important for the study includes a range different systems of beef x dairy calf rearers, e.g. large integrators as well single farm units rearing their own calves/ calves purchased from market.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b608305a-e52f-400e-8fc5-e5190b92d8d4 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Call-off from a framework agreement |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 17 Feb 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 16 Jan 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 2 Feb 2026 |
| Contract period | 12 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £108,794 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £108,794 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEFRA |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1P 4DF |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | SRUC INNOVATION |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

## Release History

- 17 Feb 2026 at 10:16 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b608305a-e52f-400e-8fc5-e5190b92d8d4

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b608305a-e52f-400e-8fc5-e5190b92d8d4
  17th February 2026 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-38278725-f84b-48ed-95c2-dbc0c187542f. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-38278725-f84b-48ed-95c2-dbc0c187542f.json.