Scope
Reference
C367576
Description
A supplier needs to carry out a range of project delivery options, to deliver against stages 1, 2 and 3 as described below: Stage 1: This case study is to support the UK FSA's policy need to determine which TAs are the most potent (neuro)toxicants so as to prioritise specific substances and inform decisions on the UK's monitoring of these alkaloids in foods. An integral part of this aim is to confirm that neurotoxicity is the primary mode of action of these alkaloids. This aim will be achieved using a tiered-testing strategy of in silico, in vitro and 'omics NAMs. This will then be extended to other plant alkaloids such as glycoalkaloids and pyridazine alkaloids. Stage 2: To derive a HBGV for human exposure for the top priority, i.e. most potent substance within the class of TAs. This will utilise physiologically-based kinetic (PBK) modelling and quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE). This will then be extended to other plant alkaloids such as glycoalkaloids and pyridazine alkaloids. Stage 3: From a methodological perspective, a broader third objective of the case study is to evaluate and attempt to build confidence within the FSA in the application of a series of relevant NAMs that have been integrated in a manner to address policy needs. These NAMs are tiered and incorporate existing human in vivo data as well as new testing on human in vitro cell lines, to maximise the relevance and accuracy to human food safety.
Contract 1. Utilising in silico, in vitro and ‘omics New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for p
Supplier
Contract value
- £488,375.50 excluding VAT
- £586,050.60 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
4 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 August 2025 to 10 May 2028
- 2 years, 9 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Delays in the overall delivery of the contract. Delays in the delivery of individual Milestones and/or Deliverables. Unplanned work that must be accommodated. Selection of service providers (subcontractors) proves challenging, i.e., they do not meet our criteria for high-quality, cost-effective. Delays imposed at import and export hubs during the shipment of samples (leading to thawing and degradation of cell samples). Insufficient data quality or poor reproducibility of omics data. Proposed experimental designs induce minimal (and non-significant) toxicological responses (Tier 2) and omics responses (Tier 3). While accurate budgeting has been completed during the planning phase, deviations are noted during the course of the contract. Availability of experienced scientists with sufficient expertise to cover all aspects of the proposed contract. Training courses are delivered at the wrong level.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
(a)due to a particular supplier having intellectual property rights or other exclusive rights, only that supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and (b)there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works.
Supplier
University of Birmingham
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCQ-3464-LVTM
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
United Kingdom
Email: welcome@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Website: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Utilising in silico, in vitro and 'omics New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for p
Contracting authority
Food Standards Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRM-6866-LYYX
YO1 7PR
York
YO1 7PR
United Kingdom
Region: UKE21 - York
Organisation type: Public authority - central government