Market Engagement for Specialist Science and Contingency Services

Description

This notice is for information only and is not a call for competition. Defra reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not proceed with any contract award. The purpose of this next round of market engagement is to a) validate the draft specifications and b) determine whether there is capacity and capability in the market to carry out these activities to the required throughput and quality and within the timescales indicated. Participants will be required to sign a two-way Non-Disclosure Agreement. Interested parties should send an email to sscs@defra.gov.uk by 17:00 (GMT) on 31st July 2023, indicating their wish for inclusion. Lot 1: Defra currently operates a framework contract providing scientific evidence and services to support its policy making and operational responsibilities including emergency response capabilities in relation to food and the environment. The contract is also used by other government departments, including but not limited to the Food Standards Agency, Welsh Government and the Home Office. This framework is due to expire 31st March 2025. Any new provider must have the ability to deliver reliable, high-quality business and scientific services competitively; well-proven transition and transformational capabilities within challenging timeframes; and possess a vision and commitment to enhance relevant scientific capability into the future. The seamless continuation of services is essential due to statutory requirements, and Defra therefore must have a supplier that has the required capabilities in place within the timescales outlined in the Specification.<br/>Interested parties can register to participate by emailing sscs@defra.gov.uk ensuring that ‘Specialist Science and Contingency Services ME Session 3’ is included in the subject of the email. Please provide details of your organisation, the names, emails and job titles of who will be participating and we will email a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for you to sign and return. The NDA is non-negotiable. This notice is for information only and will help determine the procurement strategy for provision of the services to Defra. This is not a call for competition. Defra reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not proceed with any contract award.