Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Defra Network eTendering Portal
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Contact
Emily Hayes
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
Buyer's address
https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
National or federal Agency/Office
one.5) Main activity
Environment
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Research project to develop and pilot approaches to surveillance for antibiotic resistance in companion animals and equines in the UK
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
This PIN is to highlight that the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) wishes to undertake research to develop and pilot different approaches to surveillance for antibiotic resistance in companion animals and equines in the UK. The aim of the project will inform representative UK-wide surveillance of antibiotic resistance in commensal bacteria carried by companion animal and equine populations (to include dogs, cats, and horses).
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health threats. While it refers to the ability of any microbe to resist pharmaceutical treatment, this call focuses on antibiotic resistance in bacteria, specifically. Surveillance is essential to detect emerging AMR issues, monitor trends, and identify and assess the impact of interventions. In the UK, AMR surveillance is well established in livestock sectors, with programmes for both representative surveillance in healthy animals entering the food chain, and clinical surveillance conducted on-farm, in place. However, despite the close proximity between companion animals and equines with their owners and handlers, and the potential for AMR transmission between them, AMR surveillance in these sectors is limited.
Monitoring AMR in healthy dogs, cats, and horses is less straightforward than in farmed animals entering the food chain. Different AMR surveillance approaches need to be trialled for the companion animal and equine sectors. The VMD is launching this call for interest to undertake research to explore such approaches. The data collected from this work will provide evidence of AMR within the companion animal and equine sectors in the UK, as well as improving our understanding of AMR transmission and identifying emerging issues. Crucially, this research will inform development of AMR surveillance in these species, and ultimately help achieve the UK’s ambitions in the next AMR National Action Plan (2024-2029).
Recognising the significant differences between companion animals and equines, the Authority is considering procuring this requirement in two lots: Lot 1 (cats and dogs) and Lot 2 (horses), with applicants able to apply for lots either separately or together. It is intended that applications for each lot would comprise a single research project, although we will also consider applications for Lot 1 proposing two separate projects, one for each species, provided that synergies and efficiencies between the projects are clearly demonstrated. It is recognised that the complexity of this project may make it suitable for an early-stage researcher or PhD programme.
If you would have any questions on this PIN or would like to register interest, please contact Emily.Hayes@defra.gov.uk.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
20 February 2024
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes