Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
UK Research & Innovation
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FL
Telephone
+44 1793867000
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Other activity
Research
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
UKRI-3131 Innovation Support Hub for Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) Farming Innovation Programme ADOPT Fund.
Reference number
UKRI-3131
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The ADOPT fund aims to support on-farm trials to evaluate tools, technology, systems, and approaches that can enhance the profitability, productivity, and sustainability of farmers, growers, and foresters in England. The funding aligns with the broader goals of the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP), with a specific focus on 1-to-2-year projects that meet these criteria:
Innovative Solutions: Funding is provided for practices or technologies that aren't widely used but show potential to improve farm productivity and sustainability.
Farmer-Led: Projects are centred on groups led by farmers.
Collaborative: They involve cooperation among farmers, industry, and researchers.
Scientifically Grounded: Trials are based on rigorous scientific methods with detailed measurement and recording.
Knowledge Sharing: Projects are open to sharing results and lessons learned with others.
Innovate UK oversees the scope of competitions and project eligibility
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £6,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
UNITED KINGDOM
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The UK is focusing on innovation and technology to increase agricultural productivity, improve environmental sustainability, and meet the demands of a growing global population. The country has strong capabilities in bioscience and research, supported by notable institutions and innovative farmers. The UK Government has invested significantly in agricultural technology through the £270 million Farming Innovation Programme (FIP), managed by the Department for Food, Environment, and Rural Affairs (Defra) in partnership with UKRI Innovate UK, which oversees funding and grant competitions.
A grant support hub is being established to complement the grant competitions for the ADOPT fund. This hub aims to guide applicants and is considered vital for the fund's success. Its role is to encourage more on-farm trials and innovation in agriculture and horticulture. Previous experiences with the European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-Agri) showed that inconsistent support and knowledge-sharing limited the effectiveness of the program. The new grant support hub is designed to address these issues by providing consistent guidance and facilitating better knowledge exchange among participants.
The support hub for the ADOPT fund has several key objectives:
Raise Awareness: Promote the ADOPT fund to the target market to increase awareness and generate interest.
Encourage Quality Applications: Drive a high number of quality applications to ensure a competitive selection process and support impactful projects.
Provide a Supportive Interface: Act as a friendly and accessible 'front door' to help applicants understand the ADOPT fund and have a positive initial experience.
Offer Specialist Advice: Give guidance to potential applicants on how to gather insights, find partners, and access resources for their applications.
Direct Unqualified Applicants: Signpost other relevant services for those whose proposals don't fit the ADOPT fund's criteria.
Enhance Project Success: Advise funded projects on effective trial management, open innovation, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange to maximise success.
Promote Knowledge Sharing: Support projects in communicating and sharing their research findings with farmers and other stakeholders during and after project completion to maximise the fund's impact.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Criterion 1 / Weighting: 80
Cost criterion - Name: Criterion 1 / Weighting: 20
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £6,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
5 August 2024
End date
3 August 2029
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
The Contract duration shall be for a period of 3 years with optional extensions of 2 years (1 year + 1 year)
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2.14) Additional information
To respond to this opportunity please click here: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/7Y995DHD55
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2023/S 000-021835
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
24 June 2024
Local time
2:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
24 June 2024
Local time
2:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.3) Additional information
The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/7Y995DHD55
GO Reference: GO-202453-PRO-25945298
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
UK Research and Innovation
Polaris House,, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FL
Country
United Kingdom