Planning

Market Engagement for Specialist Science and Contingency Services

  • Defra Network eTendering Portal

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2023/S 000-021385

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-03e9d4

Published 25 July 2023, 8:32am



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

Defra Network eTendering Portal

17 Nobel House

London

SW1P 3JR

Email

sscs@defra.gov.uk

Telephone

+44 3000603900

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

Ministry or any other national or federal authority

one.5) Main activity

Environment


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Market Engagement for Specialist Science and Contingency Services

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

This notice is for information only and is not a call for competition. Defra reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not proceed with any contract award. The purpose of this next round of market engagement is to a) validate the draft specifications and b) determine whether there is capacity and capability in the market to carry out these activities to the required throughput and quality and within the timescales indicated. Participants will be required to sign a two-way Non-Disclosure Agreement. Interested parties should send an email to sscs@defra.gov.uk by 17:00 (GMT) on 31st July 2023, indicating their wish for inclusion.

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 90720000 - Environmental protection
  • 90721400 - Genetic resources protection services
  • 79411000 - General management consultancy services
  • 90721300 - Food or feed contamination protection services
  • 73210000 - Research consultancy services
  • 73112000 - Marine research services
  • 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
  • 79420000 - Management-related services
  • 90711500 - Environmental monitoring other than for construction
  • 90715000 - Pollution investigation services
  • 90712300 - Marine conservation strategy planning
  • 90712200 - Forest conservation strategy planning
  • 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
  • 90722000 - Environmental rehabilitation
  • 73111000 - Research laboratory services
  • 90721700 - Endangered species protection services
  • 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services
  • 79311300 - Survey analysis services
  • 85200000 - Veterinary services
  • 85200000 - Veterinary services
  • 90721800 - Natural risks or hazards protection services
  • 90712400 - Natural resources management or conservation strategy planning services
  • 90721000 - Environmental safety services
  • 80000000 - Education and training services
  • 73110000 - Research services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UK - United Kingdom

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

Defra currently operates a framework contract providing scientific evidence and 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, Welsh Government and the Home Office. This framework is due to expire 31st March 2025. Any new provider must have the ability to deliver reliable, high-quality business and scientific services competitively; well-proven transition and transformational capabilities within challenging timeframes; and possess a vision and commitment to enhance relevant scientific capability 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 in the Specification.
Interested parties can register to participate by emailing sscs@defra.gov.uk ensuring that ‘Specialist Science and Contingency Services ME Session 3’ is included in the subject of the email. Please provide details of your organisation, the names, emails and job titles of who will be participating and we will email a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for you to sign and return. The NDA is non-negotiable. This notice is for information only and will help determine the procurement strategy for provision of the services to Defra. This is not a call for competition. Defra reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not proceed with any contract award.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

2 October 2023


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