120 Statutory shellfish E.coli monitoring service for Shetland and Orkney

What the buyer says

Purpose of this engagement: Cefas is undertaking market engagement to inform a future procurement for delivery of statutory microbiological monitoring services on behalf of Food Standards Scotland (FSS). This notice is not a call for competition or a commitment to procure. Its purpose is to help potential suppliers understand the anticipated requirement, test the deliverability of the proposed service model and provide an opportunity to raise technical, logistical, commercial and implementation questions before any formal procurement is launched. Background: FSS operates an official control programme to monitor faecal contamination in live bivalve molluscs and support the classification of shellfish harvesting areas, for which Cefas coordinates aspects of programme delivery. The anticipated contract will principally cover existing classified production areas and new areas seeking classification in Shetland and Orkney. Current planning assumptions indicate approximately 52 shellfish samples per month, or 624 per year, but volumes and locations may change in response to regulatory requirements, classification decisions, incidents, seasonal activity or changes in the monitoring plan. The geographical scope of the work may be expanded to other Scottish areas. Market feedback sought: Cefas will hold two online market-engagement sessions for potential applicants. During each session, Cefas will provide an overview of the service, including the logistics, sample-management, analytical and reporting requirements, and will respond to comments and questions raised by suppliers. The sessions are intended to help suppliers understand the proposed requirement and identify any practical issues, risks or points requiring clarification before a formal procurement is launched. The sessi…