Awarded without open competition
Awarded without open competition. The buyer went directly to one or a few suppliers instead of advertising the contract. Procurement rules allow this only in specific cases, such as extreme urgency, when only one supplier can do the work, or for call-offs from an existing framework.
Key facts
- Buyer
- Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions
- Supplier
- Fera Science Limited
- Value
- £345,710,030
- Procedure
- Negotiated without publication of a contract notice
- Sector
- Research & development · Research laboratory services (CPV 73111000)
- Region
- London
- Official notice
- 009686-2025 on Find a Tender
- Timeline
-
- Contract date17 Mar 2025
- Published17 Mar 2025Published the same day
Description
The existing Long Term Service Agreement framework will expire 31 March 2025. Defra sought a replacement commercial arrangement to provide critical scientific evidence and contingency services to support its policy making and operational responsibilities including emergency response capabilities in relation to food and the environment. The contract is also used by other government departments, including but not limited to the Food Standards Agency and the Home Office. The supplier has the ability to deliver reliable, high-quality business and scientific services competitively; well-proven transition and transformational capabilities within challenging timeframes; and possesses a vision and commitment to enhance relevant scientific capability<br/>into the future. The seamless continuation of services is essential due to statutory requirements, and Defra therefore must have a supplier that has the required capabilities in place within the timescales outlined.<br/>The contract is awarded…
About the supplier
Fera Science Limited: every public contract they have won, plus their Companies House record (company 09413107).