UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking early expressions of interest and pre-market engagement from suppliers for a proposed 2-year contract for the transportation of Category A (UN2814 & UN2900) and Category B (UN3373) samples internationally by a Courier Specialist.

Defra is exploring options for supply of antigen and vaccines to the UK foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank and is seeking to identify existing and potential suppliers who have FMD vaccines with robust evidence of quality, safety, and efficacy. We are keen to hear from suppliers who are in a position to supply suitable FMD vaccine products from early 2027 (including manufacturing lead times as necessary). Please provide the information detailed in the section below, but please note that Defra will not consider heterologous vaccine products. Those wishing to provide the information requested here should contact Melanie Swain (melanie.swain@defra.gov.uk), by the 8 September 2025. Defra reserves the right to follow up with suppliers on a 1:1 basis to further understand their capabilities with regard to this requirement. Defra is seeking this information to inform decisions around guarantees of supply to the UK market. Therefore the estimated total value shown below is only indicative at this stage.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (the Authority) are seeking to place an Open Framework for the Provision of Farm Labour Resource to facilitate Carcase Pick up on an Infected Premises (IP) during an Outbreak or other Incident. The intention of this requirement is to allow the Authority to access the services of farm labour resource and/or specialised equipment to assist in the removal of carcases following a disease outbreak, or other incident, and the resultant cull, such as from Avian Influenza following Whole House Gassing (WHG) operations. The scope of this contract will require provision of a flexible number of personnel within 24-48 hours (depending on requirement) to an IP to facilitate the collection and loading of carcases into a bulker for disposal. Suppliers need to have the resources to deploy as a minimum two (2) teams simultaneously. Other services could include but not limited to, Preliminary cleansing and disinfection, directed by an Authority representative, usually to an onsite case officer. The service will also require the provision of plant and equipment where necessary for the collection and loading of carcases into the disposal receptacle.

APHA is seeking software solutions to enhance staff communication and soft skills. Our diverse workforce—including inspectors, scientists, and customer service teams—regularly interacts with stakeholders such as farmers and livestock keepers, where clear and empathetic communication is vital. We aim to procure tools that allow staff to practice real-life scenarios, identify early signs of escalation, and apply effective strategies to manage challenging interactions. This investment will help us build confidence, strengthen relationships, and deliver exceptional customer service. Please see attached the Request for Information. If you have any access issues, please email me: izabella.roberts@defra.gov.uk Please note that the contract start and end dates are just indicative.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking to identify existing and potential manufacturers and/or suppliers of field-deployable diagnostic tests for mammalian tuberculosis, including those with products currently under development or those willing to collaborate with APHA to create such solutions. Information is required (detailed in the 'Engagement' section below) on the development status of mammalian diagnostic tests that could become available for use in 2026 or 2027. This market intelligence will support the strategy for controlling mammalian tuberculosis (particularly in badgers), improve understanding of TB epidemiology in wildlife reservoirs, and assess potential transmission risks to livestock. At this stage, APHA is gathering market intelligence only; therefore, estimated volumes and a contract value are not provided.

A reprocurement of Defra's existing valuation services framework is expected to be launched in early August with a view to establish an eight year open framework series. The valuation services framework will seek the appointment of a range of professionals who can value: livestock, crops and assets. The purpose of these valuations is to support APHA to control the spread of endemic and exotic diseases such as bovine TB and bird flu. The valuations under this framework will enable APHA, Welsh Government and Scottish Government to pay compensation to the owners of stock, crops or assets when we humanely cull or destroy crops to control the spread of diseases. The resulting framework is to be open for use by: Defra, APHA, Welsh Government & Scottish Government.

This requirement is for guaranteed access to a stock of antigen for a variety of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMDV) virus strains, and for the production and delivery of vaccine to the UK, should formulated vaccine be required in the event of an FMDV outbreak.

A Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) certified to EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards is required to work in partnership with the Authority to achieve UK Marketing Authorisation (MA) and, thereafter, undertake the scaled up production of the DST-F reagent, a diagnostic skin test to Detect Infected among Vaccinated Animals (DIVA). This will involve the technical transfer of the research grade fusion protein-based reagent from the current ISO-accredited provider.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (the Authority) are seeking to place an Open Framework for the Provision of Farm Labour Resource to facilitate Carcase Pick up on an Infected Premises (IP) during an Outbreak or other Incident. The intention of this requirement is to allow the Authority to access the services of farm labour resource and/or specialised equipment to assist in the removal of carcases following a disease outbreak, or other incident, and the resultant cull, such as from Avian Influenza following Whole House Gassing (WHG) operations. The scope of this contract will require provision of a flexible number of personnel within 24-48 hours (depending on requirement) to an IP to facilitate the collection and loading of carcases into a bulker for disposal. Suppliers need to have the resources to deploy as a minimum two (2) teams simultaneously. Other services could include but not limited to, Preliminary cleansing and disinfection, directed by an Authority representative, usually to an onsite case officer. The service will also require the provision of plant and equipment where necessary for the collection and loading of carcases into the disposal receptacle.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) are seeking to engage a supplier to produce and supply specified Poultry Rate Cards on a regular basis to reflect the market value of breeding, laying and meat production birds at various stages in their lifecycle, including consideration of age in days/weeks. The Poultry Rate Cards may be used where the Authority is required to or chooses to pay compensation for poultry or other captive birds. The successful Tenderer will be appointed to supply the specified Poultry Rate Cards (PRCs) for an initial 4-year period, with the option to extend the Contract for a further period of up to a maximum of 24 months. This will be subject to separate budget approval and at the discretion of the Contracting Body. There are three elements to the requirement: The successful Supplier shall deliver: • Requirement 1: Provide regular review and updates as required, of a variety of PRCs at specified intervals (typically 5 times a year); and • Requirement 2: Conduct bespoke valuations for different bird types/production systems, as required by the Buyer. If a bespoke PRC is commissioned, the Buyer may request these PRCs are then added to the regular updates and a Contract Change Notice (CCN) would be agreed between the Buyer and the Supplier as appropriate; and • Requirement 3: Provide expert advice, as required.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking to engage a supplier to support the production and delivery of a Tier 2 National Exercise and supporting agencies. Tier 2 National Exercises are a) led by a Lead Government Department with involvement from key stakeholders (including other departments), b) may take the form of Tabletop or Live Exercises or elements of both and c) include likely participation of COBR (Civil Contingencies Committee). <br/><br/>The supplier will have experience of managing and delivering exercises of a similar scale. They will be expected to create and deliver an Exercise Package capable of testing the preparedness and effectiveness of Defra framework response plans, Contingency Plans for Governmental administrations and APHA Operational response plans. <br/><br/>The Authority is seeking this information to inform decisions around the Procurement Strategy and to identify suppliers within this market. An estimated total value is therefore not provided at this stage. 

This notice relates to the requirements to award two contracts to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (“NIAB”); one service contract and one concession contract. The subject matter of both contracts is the delivery of plant breeders rights, national listing & seed certification. The services are: Service A: Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability, (“DUS”) Testing Service Service B - Value for Cultivation and Use (“VCU”) Tests for Disease Resistance Service C - Independent Review and Reporting of VCU Trials and Disease Resistance Tests Service D - Seed Certification Services Service E - Seed Testing Services Service F - Technical Advice and Additional Services Service G - Management of Authority IT Systems Service H - Delivery of DUS Quality Assurance System (“QAS”) Please note: the contract start date is expected to be 1st July 2025

Please note that this is for Market Engagement only.<br/><br/>Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (the Authority) are seeking to procure a service for the Provision of Farm Labour Resource to facilitate Carcase Collections on an Affected Premises during an Outbreak or other Incident.<br/>The intention of this requirement is to allow the Authority to access the services of farm labour resource and/or specialised equipment to assist in the removal of carcases following a disease outbreak, or other incident, and the resultant cull, such as from Avian Influenza.<br/><br/>The scope of this contract will require the Contractor to provide a flexible number of personnel within 24-48 hours (depending on requirement) to an Affected Premises (AP) to facilitate the collection and loading of carcases into a bulker for disposal. Other services could include but not limited to, Preliminary cleansing and disinfection, directed by an Authority representative, usually to an onsite case officer. The service will also require the provision of plant and equipment where necessary for the collection and loading of carcases into the disposal receptacle. The Authority will provide pressure washers and disinfectant.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an executive agency of DEFRA requires the provision of a Pipette service, repair and calibration service.

APHA on behalf of Defra, Scottish and Welsh Government are retendering the service provision for UK Plant Breeders Rights, National Listing and Seed Certification.<br/>The lotted contract shall be for the provision of technical services relating to UK legislation for Variety Listing (official registration) of new varieties of the main agricultural and vegetable crop species, plant variety rights and certification of seed of agricultural species.<br/>Variety Listing is delivered jointly with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland. <br/>APHA implement devolved Seeds marketing legislation in England and Wales on behalf of Defra and the Welsh Government. Scotland and Northern Ireland implement their own separate legislation.<br/>Most of this work is subject to UK Legislation, which require that no private gain be made.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), an executive agency of DEFRA, requires the provision of a High-plex Multiplex Spatial Biology Imager with all its associated accessories.

A Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) certified to EU Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards is required to work in partnership with the Authority to achieve UK Marketing Authorisation (MA) and, thereafter, for scaled up production of the DST-F product, a diagnostic skin test to Detect Infected among Vaccinated Animals (DIVA). This will involve the technical transfer of the research grade product from the current non-GMP provider

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking to engage a supplier to produce and supply specified Poultry Rate Cards on a regular basis to reflect the market value of breeding, laying and meat production birds at various stages in their lifecycle, including consideration of age in days/weeks. The Poultry Rate Cards may be used where the Authority is required to or chooses to pay compensation for poultry or other captive birds.<br/><br/>The Authority is seeking this information to inform decisions around the Procurement Strategy and to identify suppliers within this market. An estimated total value is therefore not provided at this stage.

This is a Prior Information Notice (PIN) to advise the market that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is seeking to renew its Provision of Poultry Culling Services Framework Agreement and appoint providers to a new Framework Agreement for the continued provision of poultry culling services across England, Scotland and Wales. Some of these Goods and Services will be delivered side by side with government employees and other contracted bodies – while some will be expected to be delivered independently (under the direction of the Contracting Body). The services will be required in eight (8) geographical regions across England, Wales and Scotland. <br/><br/>The Agreement will be divided into four (4) Lots which will cover animal disease outbreak and incident support work.<br/>• Lot 1. Containerised Gassing Unit (CGU) services, including the Supply of Gasses and Poultry Catching Services<br/>• Lot 2. Poultry Catching Services<br/>• Lot 3. Supply of Gasses for Containerised Gassing Units (CGUs)<br/>• Lot 4. Whole House Gassing (WHG) services