Scope
Reference
C373232
Description
The genomic data platform developed through the PATH-SAFE programme is an operational, cross-government capability which provides genomic analytics linked to contextual metadata, visualised in user friendly reports for end-users within partner UK agencies. The platform has been built on proven expertise and infrastructure and has been co-designed using community and end-user expertise to ensure the delivery of value to end users. Ultimately the platform is expected to provide annotations comparable between agencies through standardised best practice analytics and QC thresholds, enabling sharing of data and resources across organisations, and the rapid identification and tracking of foodborne pathogens, clusters and AMR.
The platform was made live in March 2024, equipped with analytics solely focussed on Salmonella spp., and enhanced through FY24/25 to include E.coli and Listeria analytics. Further funding has been secured for FY25/26 to continue development of the platform as part of a National Food Surveillance Programme, seeking to build on previous project success and prior HMT investment to date. With the platform ready for use, next steps will require deep focus on data integration (i.e. conduiting of data from individual to collective value) to the platform, deployment and further enhancement to support end user needs.
The platform utilises the capability owned by the supplier to complete analyses required to complete this project.
Contract 1. Genomic Data Platform
Supplier
Contract value
- £450,000 excluding VAT
- £540,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
25 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 7 months
Description of possible extension:
Optional 12 month extension
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights PA23 Schedule 5, Paragraph 5 (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 of works.
The platform utilises the capability owned by the supplier to complete analyses required to complete this project.
There are no reasonable alternatives due to this, further reasons below:
1) the considerable amount of trust placed in these existing platforms; they are tried and tested
2) the feasibility of swapping tools and ensuring that new systems could interoperate as effectively
3) the risk that alternative solutions may not perform as well.
Supplier
OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
- Companies House: 02199542
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJZD-2574-WGDN
University Offices
Oxford
OX1 2JD
United Kingdom
Email: enquiries@innovation.ox.ac.uk
Website: http://www.innovation.ox.ac.uk
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Genomic Data Platform
Contracting authority
Food Standards Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRM-6866-LYYX
Foss House, Kings Pool, 1-2 Peasholme Green
York
YO1 7PR
United Kingdom
Email: FSA.Commercial@food.gov.uk
Region: UKE21 - York
Organisation type: Public authority - central government