Scope
Description
We are seeking up to three contractors to provide hive side training to intermediate hobbyist beekeepers to teach beekeepers how to recognise pests and diseases and ensure good husbandry practices.
The requirement is separated into three lots covering three regions:
Lot 1: North of England and Midlands
Lot 2: South of England
Lot 3 Wales
Note on market engagement: market engagement was conducted through a PCR 2015 notice:https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b26ba9b3-3d8b-43bd-b3d3-21d60541b6f8
Total value (estimated)
- £406,000 excluding VAT
- £487,200 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 30 November 2026
- Possible extension to 30 November 2029
- 3 years, 11 months
Description of possible extension:
Subject to success in year 1 and ongoing budget approval
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80531200 - Technical training services
- 77110000 - Services incidental to agricultural production
- 77100000 - Agricultural services
- 80540000 - Environmental training services
- 16640000 - Bee-keeping machinery
- 80530000 - Vocational training services
- 80531000 - Industrial and technical training services
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 77000000 - Agricultural, forestry, horticultural, aquacultural and apicultural services
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
A supplier may be awarded all three lots.
Lot 1. Lot 1: North of England and Midlands
Description
Provision of hive side training in the North of England and Midlands.
Lot value (estimated)
- £135,333.33 excluding VAT
- £162,400 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Lot 2: South of England.
Description
Provision of hive side training in the South of England.
Lot value (estimated)
- £135,333.33 excluding VAT
- £162,400 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Lot 3 Wales
Description
Provision of hive side training in Wales
Lot value (estimated)
- £135,333.34 excluding VAT
- £162,400 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
This procurement is reserved for
Supported employment providers
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Lot 1: North of England and Midlands
Lot 2. Lot 2: South of England.
Lot 3. Lot 3 Wales
As set out in the bidder pack.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Lot 1: North of England and Midlands
Lot 2. Lot 2: South of England.
Lot 3. Lot 3 Wales
As set out in the bidder pack.
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Lot 1: North of England and Midlands
Lot 2. Lot 2: South of England.
Lot 3. Lot 3 Wales
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
7 November 2025, 2:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
14 November 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
via our e-procurement system Atamis: https://defra-family.force.com/s/Welcome
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
8 December 2025
Award criteria
Lot 1. Lot 1: North of England and Midlands
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 50.00% |
| Commercial | Price | 50.00% |
Lot 2. Lot 2: South of England.
Lot 3. Lot 3 Wales
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Price | 50.00% |
| Technical | Quality | 50.00% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Key risks include: (i) the training can only be delivered during the beekeeping season; (ii) we do not train the desired number of learners; and (iii) the training is a novel approach with actual outcomes being uncertain at contract inception.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
A two-stage competitive flexible procedure: stage 1 is a written technical & commercial response; and stage 2 is a site visit. The bidder pack provides greater detail regarding each stage and the evaluation criteria.
Contracting authority
ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH AGENCY
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBHC-6261-BLLQ
Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government