Project 36206 - TSE Rapid Testing Services

Descriptions

This requirement is for the provision of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) Rapid Testing of fallen stock cattle, sheep and goats and healthy slaughter sheep and goats on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The Services will be performed from the successful Tenderer's laboratory and there are no on farm 'live' test facilities available. The purpose of the Services is to enable the APHA to meet its requirement to provide TSE Rapid Testing in line with Chapter C, Annex X of Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 1148/2014, which still applies since the UK's exit from the EU. Tenderers will be required to hold test accreditation in accordance with international standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 and commit to add TSE Rapid Testing to their current scope prior to commencement of the contract. Proof of accreditation will be required prior to commencement of the Services and it will be a requirement for TSE Test accreditation (in accordance with international standard EN ISO/IEC 17025) to be maintained throughout the life of the contract. The Authority is seeking to appoint a contractor to provide TSE Rapid Testing Services for a five (5) year period (three (3) year initial term with allowable extension of up to twenty-four (24) months). The purpose of this notice is to notify the market of a possible opportunity and to invite interested parties to join a supplier engagement event at 10.00am on Thursday 25th August 2022. This will provide an opportunity for potential suppliers to learn more about the requirements. If you are interested in joining the MS Teams event, please register your interest by emailing melanie.swain@defra.gov.uk The intention is to publish a Bidder Pack in September 2022.