Published date: 11 April 2019

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Closing: 20 May 2019

Contract summary

Industry

  • Research and development services and related consultancy services - 73000000

Location of contract

Any region

Value of contract

£155,000

Procurement reference

tender_201560/751155

Published date

11 April 2019

Closing date

20 May 2019

Contract start date

1 August 2019

Contract end date

1 February 2022

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (above threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No


Description

Defra wishes to undertake a two part study. Firstly, a review of POC technology, through a food authenticity lens, with a specific focus on applications as rapid tools to detect food fraud (e.g. to detect misrepresentation and mislabelling of foodstuffs). The review should provide 1) information on what current and emerging POC tools are available to detect potential food fraud or verify food authenticity, and how they are currently used, 2) the 'fitness for purpose' of existing POC tools (i.e. proof of concept stage or beyond), 3) what opportunities exist to use POC tests more widely (including from existing applications from other sectors), including the risks and benefits associated with potential new POC applications, and 4) where additional research and development would be needed to further exploit this powerful diagnostics platform in the field of food authenticity.

In parallel, Defra wishes to undertake a pilot study to trial new of new technologies to develop and demonstrate the suitability of POC technology applications in the food chain. The pilot study is intended to trial new approaches, for example through lab-based experimental work, to put the right tools in place to move novel technologies forward and enable rapid uptake of technology to meet food authenticity needs within the food system. The pilot study experimental design should focus on 1) overcoming key barrier(s) to implementation of POC technology, and 2) practical road testing of novel approaches in relation to a specific scenario or product type to maximize impact of this technology for use in a variety of settings (in the field, lab, by industry)


About the buyer

Address

Mallard House Peasholme Green
York
YO1 7PX
England

Email

graham.fox@defra.gov.uk

Website

https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk