Scope
Description
Sampling for lead in food produced or grown in high geochemical lead areas of the GB.
The levels of lead present in food can vary depending on several factors, one being the presence of (high) levels of geochemical lead in the location in which food products have or are being grown or reared.
There are maximum levels for lead in some foods and due to the variable nature of the presence of geochemical lead throughout the UK, it is necessary that the FSA has an understanding on the levels of lead in food products grown or reared in medium/high geochemical lead (ranges TBD from literature data).
The work is considered one of the FSA's main areas of research interest (under chemical hazards; including nanomaterials and microplastics) and will be used to inform long-term policy and/or strategic decision making.
See specification for more details.
Total value (estimated)
- £200,000 excluding VAT
- £240,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 4 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79311300 - Survey analysis services
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 79311000 - Survey services
- 14712000 - Lead
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
See PSQ in Atamis.
Technical ability conditions of participation
See Specification in Atamis.
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
10 October 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
27 October 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders for FSA funded projects must be submitted through the health-family single e-Commercial System (Atamis), using the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. Failure to do so may result in the tender response not being processed by the system or the response being automatically disqualified during the evaluation stage of the tender process
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
17 November 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical | Technical envelope (80% of overall value), in which applicants should detail the approach, the work plan and their ability to undertake the work. See Specification for further details. |
Quality | 80.00% |
| Commercial | Commercial envelope (20% of overall value), in which applicants should outline all costs to conduct the proposed work. See Specification for further details. |
Cost | 20.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
Payment of valid and undisputed invoices will be made within 30 days of receipt of the invoice or, if later, the date by which the payment falls due in accordance with the invoice, which must be submitted promptly by the Supplier.
All invoices must be sent, quoting a valid Purchase Order Number (PO Number) and any other relevant details including the minimum required information set out in Section 68(9) of the Procurement Act 2023, to: fsa.payments@food.gov.uk.
Within 10 Working Days of receipt of your countersigned copy of this Order Form, we will send you a unique PO Number. You must be in receipt of a valid PO Number before submitting an invoice.
To avoid delay in payment it is important that the invoice is compliant and that it includes a valid PO Number, item number (if applicable) and the details (name, email, and telephone number) of your Buyer contact (i.e., Buyer Authorised Representative). Non-compliant invoices may be sent back to you, which may lead to a delay in payment.
Description of risks to contract performance
As this is an evolving research project risks are spread across the deliverables, including but not limited to, scope, timings, regulatory changes, new scientific ways of working.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
Limited time to do preliminary notices.
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