Award

Utilising in silico, in vitro and ‘omics New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for priority-setting and safety assessment of tropane alkaloids (TAs) and other plant toxins as potential food contaminants. A case study for progressing the acceptance of NAMs for

  • Food Standards Agency

UK6: Contract award notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-054952

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0565d3 (view related notices)

Published 9 September 2025, 11:48am



Scope

Reference

C367576

Description

Tenders were invited 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

Award decision date

25 August 2025

Standstill period

  • End: 18 September 2025
  • 8 working days

Earliest date the contract will be signed

22 September 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 29 September 2025 to 10 May 2028
  • 2 years, 7 months, 12 days

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Procedure

Procedure type

Direct award


Supplier

University of Birmingham

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCQ-3464-LVTM

Edgbaston

Birmingham

B15 2TT

United Kingdom

Region: UKG31 - Birmingham

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Associated people/organisations:

N/A

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

Contact name: FSA Commercial

Email: fsa.commercial@food.gov.uk

Website: https://www.food.gov.uk/

Region: UKE21 - York

Organisation type: Public authority - central government