Provision of an Official Veterinary Service for the Imported Food Office (LHR)

Description

The current contract with Senlac Associates expires on 31 March 2024. Given the recently confirmed change in the checks required on products of animal origin, there is an increased level of uncertainty and therefore, it would not be prudent to go out to tender as potentially interested bidders would be basing their tenders on the existing volume of consignments, which does not reflect a true indication of the future service requirements. It is anticipated that the potential impact of the EU Exit will become clearer during the two-year contract term recommended in this report and, accordingly, it is proposed that the Council goes out to tender for a new contract starting in April 2026. Once the volume of consignments and required inspections is stabilised, extensive pre-tender market engagement in Q1 of 2025/26 so that the market has a full understanding of requirements when the tender is advertised It is anticipated that the potential impact of the EU Exit will become clearer during the two-year contract term recommended in this report and, accordingly, it is proposed that the Council goes out to tender for a new contract starting in April 2026. Once the volume of consignments and required inspections is stabilised, Procurement will work with officers from the IFO to develop the new service requirements. These will be supported by clear and concise volume data, alongside extensive pre-tender market engagements in Q1 of 2025/26 so that the market has a full understanding of requirements when the tender is advertised.