Scope
Reference
C31093
Description
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is leading the development of a Digital Grain Passport (DP) system to replace the current paper-based passports used across Great Britain's combinable crops supply chain. The new digital platform will enable secure, real-time sharing of assurance, quality, and load data between growers, hauliers, merchants, and processors. It will integrate with existing assurance databases (Red Tractor, TASCC, SQC, UFAS) via APIs, support offline functionality for rural users, and be accessible through both web and mobile applications. Designed for simplicity, reliability, and inclusivity, the DP will enhance traceability, reduce errors, and streamline logistics while maintaining compliance with food and feed safety standards. This market engagement exercise will inform final design, costing, and funding decisions ahead of a full tender and build phase, ensuring the system meets the needs of all
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
24 November 2025
Engagement process description
Following the PME deadline, AHDB may offer optional one-to-one engagement sessions to explore supplier responses in greater depth. Where responses demonstrate specialist expertise or sector-specific capability, AHDB may prioritise follow-up discussions with suppliers who best evidence relevant experience and understanding. In the event of a high volume of responses, AHDB reserves the right to apply a proportionate and transparent approach to limit the number of follow-up sessions, in line with its duties under Section 12 of the Procurement Act 2023.
This Pre-Market Engagement (PME) will run for a period of two weeks, from 3 November 2025 to 24 November 2025. Suppliers may submit clarification questions regarding the PME until 17:00 on 13 November 2025, with responses to be published as soon as possible thereafter. Completed PME questionnaires must be submitted no later than 17:00 on 24 November 2025.
This PME does not form part of any formal procurement process, and participation will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future tender. AHDB is under no obligation to proceed to procurement and may amend or cancel this process at any time. Should AHDB proceed, a formal tender opportunity may be advertised in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, with indicative timelines suggesting publication from spring 2026.
Suppliers are asked to declare any potential conflicts of interest. AHDB will manage disclosures transparently. If PME materials are required in an alternative format, please contact us via the Atamis Portal. All responses will be handled in accordance with AHDB's Data Protection Policy, and AHDB reserves the right to cancel or amend the PME at any time without liability.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 April 2026
Contracting authority
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBHX-8363-MBBV
Middlemarch Business Park
Coventry
CV3 4SU
United Kingdom
Contact name: Aisha Shehzad
Email: procurement@ahdb.org.uk
Region: UKG13 - Warwickshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government