Scope
Description
Proficiency testing (PT) is a requirement under the Forensic Science Regulator code of practice and ISO 17025. PT is defined under the code as 'The determination of the testing performance of a forensic unit, i.e. tests to evaluate the competence of practitioners and the quality performance of the forensic unit'.
The external provider of PT provide materials that would simulate case data and would test our abilities as a lab in answering the questions provided. This would allow us to find weaknesses in our processes/tools/methods and as such would enable the unit to operate more effectively and produce more reliable results. This benefits victims of crime and the wider criminal justice system.
Lincs DFU currently hold FSR compliance and accreditation, with CACI the current provider of PT but this is due for renewal in May 2025. This was after the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom (UKAS), raised a finding about our lack of PT.
The requirements include both having a 4-year plan for PT and this being implemented, however this can be purchased on a yearly basis or a contract covering the next 4 years.
The quoted cost is £8k / year or £30k over 4 years.
These costs were previously paid from the accreditation budget (Project DeVa), with funds transferred back to the Crime budget 25/26.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £36,316.80 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
10 June 2025
Contract dates
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2029
- 3 years, 7 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 64000000 - Postal and telecommunications services
- 65000000 - Public utilities
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
CACI LIMITED
- Companies House: 01649776
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHWT-4231-YGQG
Caci House Kensington Village
London
W14 8TS
United Kingdom
Email: bid.team@caci.co.uk
Website: http://www.caci.co.uk
Region: UKI33 - Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNBV-7818-LZWL
Police Headquarters, Deepdale Lane, Nettleham
Lincoln
LN2 2LT
United Kingdom
Email: commercial@lincs.police.uk
Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government