Scope
Reference
C29828
Description
There are two programmes covered by this MoA between Natural England and the Institute of Zoology - Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance and Vertebrate Ecotoxicology. Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance Since 1999, Natural England's Species Recovery Programme (SRP) has funded a number of conservation translocations and re-introductions. The Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have undertaken the necessary disease risk analyses and health surveillance for these projects including the monitoring of animal health before, during and after release. This project will enable the appropriate disease risk analysis to be undertaken for animals that are to be released in this financial year and the continued monitoring of those animals that have been released, where appropriate. This is necessary whether the origin of these species are ex-situ populations destined for reintroductions, reintroduced populations or wild populations. It will ensure that Natural England continues to follow high standards when undertaking conservation translocations including meeting our obligations under the internationally agreed IUCN guidelines for re-introductions and the DEFRA code for reintroductions and other conservation translocations in England. Vertebrate Ecotoxicology - Beavers and Red Kites There are large gaps in our understanding on the exposure and effects of terrestrial species to chemicals of concern (e.g. pesticides, biocides, heavy metals, and persistent bioaccumulative toxic chemicals). This project is in two parts to further our understanding of these chemicals in wildlife: one concerning the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) and the other the red kite (Milvus milvus).
Contract 1. MoA - Disease Risk Analysis & Health Surveillance for the Species Recovery Prog
Supplier
Contract value
- £232,890 excluding VAT
- £232,890 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
15 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 18 August 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 7 months, 14 days
Description of possible extension:
None enacted so far. Date 31/03/2027 would be first date likely to be agreed.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
By the written agreement of the Parties.
CPV classifications
- 77400000 - Zoological services
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Supplier failure (remote risk)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance This is a partnership project between Natural England and Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, the purpose of which is to utilise the expertise and experience of the two organisations to ensure that species recovery work is carried out to a high standard. This involves assessing the threats from disease and providing protocols and management approaches that minimise the risks in order to ensure that projects have a high chance of success and do not endanger other species through the spread of disease. The work is based around an agreed annual programme, with areas of work mutually agreed between the two partners. Vertebrate Ecotoxicology - Beaver and Red Kites Beaver ecotoxicology A disease surveillance programme for Eurasian beavers in England is being undertaken by the Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance (DRAHS) team, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), in partnership with Natural England. As part of this programme, detailed post-mortem examinations are performed on free-living beavers found dead in England. This work has provided the opportunity to begin building an archive of morphological measurements and tissues which could, in future, aid in investigations of both the levels and adverse effects of contaminants of existing and emerging concern in beavers. Red kite ecotoxicology An ongoing translocation project coordinated by ZSL has provided a valuable opportunity to collect such data from red kites (Milvus milvus), which are also currently included as a sentinel species for the Environmental Improvement Plan H4 indicator: exposure and adverse effects of chemicals on wildlife in the environment.
Supplier
Institute of Zoology
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLMW-5186-XMWR
Outer Circle, Regent's Park
London
NW1 4RY
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. MoA - Disease Risk Analysis & Health Surveillance for the Species Recovery Prog
Contracting authority
NATURAL ENGLAND
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJDG-6588-XDMM
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procurement management on behalf of Customer, Natural England.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBD-3289-CDGX
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster