Scope
Reference
250077
Description
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences' Biological Services Core Technology Unit (BSU), at Queen's University Belfast (Queen's) wish to procure the services of a Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) for the BSU.
Scientific Procedure Establishments, breeding and supplying establishments1 are required to name a veterinary surgeon(s), nominated by the Establishment Licence Holder, in their Licence Schedule, who accepts responsibility under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and its subsequent amendments to provide advice on the health, welfare and treatment of animals within these establishments. The NVS will fulfil the duties of the NVS in accordance with ASPA, and its subsequent amendments. ASPA is a UK-wide Act and is administered by the Home Office in Great Britain and the Department of Health (DOH) in Northern Ireland.
The NVS's role is to advise on the Health and Welfare of the animals in the Establishment, the performance of techniques, and to diagnose and treat diseases. They are responsible for directing the use of controlled and prescription-only medicines in the animals and should be familiar with the project licences in use at Queen's. The NVS must also be involved in the drafting of new project licence applications or amendments, and the discussions of Animal Welfare and Use Committees, such as the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB).
Further information is available at: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/named-veterinary-surgeons/
Please also see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/research-and-testing-using-animals
Total value (estimated)
- £1,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 January 2026 to 1 January 2029
- Possible extension to 1 January 2033
- 7 years
Description of possible extension:
3 years, with options to extend by up to a further 48 months (4 x 12 months extension options)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85200000 - Veterinary services
Submission
Enquiry deadline
23 July 2025, 4:00pm
Tender submission deadline
30 July 2025, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/queensuniversitybelfast/aspx/Home
Suppliers wishing to express an interest in this tender must register at this address and download the documentation
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
16 September 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 21 June 2032
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | • Price 60% • Mandatory Specification - Pass/Fail • Desirable Criteria - 15% • Qualitative - 20% • Sustainability - 5% |
Price |
Weighting description
• Price 60%
• Mandatory Specification - Pass/Fail
• Desirable Criteria - 15%
• Qualitative - 20%
• Sustainability - 5%
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Evolving Service Requirements
• Changes to the scope of veterinary services may arise due to:
o Expansion or reconfiguration of the Biological Services Unit.
o Introduction of new species, procedures, or research methodologies.
o Amendments to legal, ethical, or licensing requirements (e.g. under the Animals [Scientific Procedures] Act 1986).
Impact: This may require additional time, specialisation, or resource commitments from the veterinary provider, and could necessitate a contract modification.
Additional Consumables or Equipment
• The veterinary service may require access to additional or specialist consumables, diagnostics, or therapeutic agents that are not currently in use or foreseeable.
Impact: These costs may not be fully covered under the original contract scope and may require budgetary adjustment or procurement support.
Integration with Future Software or Systems
• The provider may be required to interface with future digital systems (e.g. electronic records, compliance platforms, or biosecurity monitoring tools) introduced by the Department of Health.
Impact: This could involve additional training, time investment, or technical development that may not be currently estimable.
Continuity and Availability Risks
• Risks associated with the availability of the provider, such as:
o Unexpected staff shortages or turnover.
o Lack of appropriate cover for leave or emergencies.
o Limited capacity to respond to out-of-hours, urgent, or specialist callouts.
Impact: May affect service reliability or continuity of animal care, requiring contingency planning.
Compliance and Regulatory Risks
• Regulatory or compliance breaches could arise if either party fails to meet evolving expectations under Department of Health licensing, university policy, or veterinary best practice.
Impact: May lead to enforcement action, reputational damage, or contract suspension/termination.
Cost and Scope Escalation
• As described above, unknown developments may lead to:
o Increase in the scope of work.
o Associated increases in cost or resource requirements that are not foreseen within the initial pricing model.
Impact: May require formal contract modification under applicable public procurement regulations.
Risk Management
To mitigate these risks:
• Queens University and the supplier will maintain open and proactive communication.
• Regular contract reviews will be held to assess evolving needs and service delivery.
• Any required modifications will be managed in accordance with public procurement law and recorded transparently.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/queensuniversitybelfast/aspx/Home
Suppliers wishing to express an interest in this tender must register at this address and download the documentation
Contracting authority
Queen's University Belfast
- Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: 101788
University Rd
Belfast
BT7 1NN
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland