Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
DAERA Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute
18a Newforge Lane
Belfast
BT9 5PX
SSDAdmin.cpd@finance-ni.gov.uk
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKN06 - Belfast
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/construction-procurement-delivery
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
AFBI Commercialisation of AFBI-bred Forage Grass Varieties
Reference number
ID 3561362
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is Northern Ireland's largest science and technology organisation and an internationally renowned multidisciplinary scientific organisation, based at seven locations across Northern Ireland. The Institute undertakes an assigned work programme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) that comprises statutory, analytical, and diagnostic/surveillance testing, together with research & development (R&D) and the provision of specialist advice in the fields of agriculture, animal health and welfare, plant science, food safety and innovation, marine and fisheries, the natural environment and agri-food and rural economics.
AFBI also delivers a portfolio of "commercial" work to a wide range of local, national and international customers in these areas. AFBI collaborates closely with DAERA's College of Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and the industry levy body, AgriSearch, in transferring knowledge and technology to the local agri-food industry. A significant proportion of AFBI's non-DAERA income is derived from international customers, representing the equivalent of foreign direct investment in the local economy. This funding underpins a number of high quality scientific posts in AFBI and helps to maintain scientific capacity and excellence.
The AFBI grass breeding programme, based in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, produces locally-adapted ryegrass varieties for a range of forage grass markets, but primarily for the UK/ROI markets. The programme, which has been in place since 1952, has a long history, and a strong reputation in the marketplace. The AFBI programme has been extremely successful. As of 2019, there are 19 different AFBI-bred ryegrass varieties on the Irish and UK recommended lists. There are also a number of varieties on recommended lists in other European countries. The average annual number of AFBI varieties that have been accepted onto Recommended Lists over the past 10 years is 2.6, demonstrating the consistent performance of new AFBI varieties.
The AFBI forage grass breeding programme is split into two programmes: the strategic programme and the commercialisation programme. The early stage strategic programme is funded by DAERA, and produces germplasm for incorporation into new synthetics. The commercialisation programme tests near-market stage synthetics prior to national list testing and subsequent commercialisation.
AFBI requires a commercialisation partner in order for seed from AFBI-bred varieties to reach target markets.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKN - Northern Ireland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
AFBI requires a commercialisation partner in order for seed from AFBI-bred varieties to reach target markets.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
20 December 2021
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