Research & development services

Metabarcoding validation framework 2026/2027

Natural England

DNA-based methods have the potential to significantly change how we monitor and assess ecosystems. Natural England has been exploring the use of these methods for environmental monitoring for several years, delivering a series of reports which focus on the development of DNA-based methods with potential in a particular area. These methods are now being used more widely within Natural England, particularly the detection of ecological communities using environmental DNA (eDNA). This is often conducted by employing metabarcoding assays which target specific species assemblages (e.g. fish, mammals) or broader taxonomic groups (e.g. vertebrates, invertebrates, bacteria). The DNA Team aims to operationalise DNA-based methods and produces guidance for using them in monitoring projects. In order to provide sound recommendations, it is important that we understand the limitations of, and uncertainties with, DNA-based methods. Natural England staff need to be able to understand how DNA-derived data can be used, and the confidence they can have in data derived using different DNA-based methods which have been validated to different stages. Natural England previously commissioned the development of a framework to enable end users to assess confidence in metabarcoding assays and results (Pagaling and others, under review; a copy of the framework can be provided by Natural England upon request by emailing monitoring.innovation@naturalengland.org.uk). By using the checklist and levelled scale, end users can appropriately interpret results. It also provides validation and reporting standards for the development of new metabarcoding assays. The framework will enable end-users to determine the recommended scenarios for application of a given assay and improve assay performance with further validation. This project will advance the metabarcoding assay validation framework by expanding upon previous work to conduct a further literature review and meta-analysis, covering more assays bei

Audit Qualification 2030: Structured interviews with non-PIE Audit firms

THE FINANCIAL REPORTING COUNCIL LIMITED

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) regulates auditors, accountants and actuaries and sets the UK's Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes. As the Competent Authority for audit in the UK, we set auditing and ethical standards and monitor and enforce audit quality. The FRC requires Research Services. This research concerns the pre-qualification education, training, and assessment of UK statutory auditors insofar as those matters relate specifically to non-PIE UK audit firms. By non-PIE UK audit firms we mean firms that carry out UK statutory audits, but do not audit Public Interest Entities (PIEs). The project will interview a selection of non-PIE audit firms to gain insights from them about current approaches to training, and to understand the barriers to effective training. The interviewed sample of firms will include both those that do, and that do not, currently offer training (i.e. that do/do not employ trainee auditors during their pre-qualification years). Outputs and Deliverables • Full transcripts (appropriately anonymised) from the interviews • A presentation of early indicative findings from the initial interviews, by late September • A report/presentation drawing out themes that emerged, with illustrative quotes, etc. The report/presentation will be delivered in interim form (by mid-October) and final form (by late-December). The Supplier will anonymise all outputs so the FRC will not be able to identify which firms and individuals participated. Anonymised data/findings from the research may be referred to and quoted in published FRC documents (e.g. public consultation/discussion papers). PLEASE REFER TO THE INVITATION TO TENDER (ITT) FOR FULL DETAILS INCLUDING HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR TENDER

Strategic Culture Change Partner

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

The Trust is looking at appointing an Organisational Culture Change Strategic Partner to provide specialist capacity and expertise to design, deliver and embed a Trust‑wide cultural transformation programme.

Defence Medical Services Research Steering Group

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Defence Medical Services Research Steering Group (DMSRSG) is the primary mechanism through which the DMS endorses and funds research activity. The research project must be of military relevance, scientifically robust, and offer value for money. DMSRSG supports military-relevant medical research. Projects are not restricted to a particular methodological approach or technology readiness level (TRL). We will support foundational science through to applied research. Where foundational science / early TRL activity is proposed there must be a feasible pathway to impact on clinical delivery or operational capability. Research must be predominantly medical or healthcare focused and we welcome qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. There is no limit on the amount of funding that can be requested per application. However, the overall commitment budget at any one DMSRSG meeting is approximately £500k and we support multiple proposals at each round. Funding requests should always be commensurate with the activity proposed and can be multi-year. Priority areas are outlined in the calling notice. Please note that the EOI process is open all year round with no deadline.

Technical Support for Steel and Metals

Department for Business and Trade

The Government recognises the vital role a resilient domestic steel industry plays in a modern economy, underpinning many sectors, from construction to advanced manufacturing. The Government's recently published Steel Strategy sets out a long-term vision to revitalise the UK steel sector, restore domestic production to sustainable levels and secure the industry's role in supporting critical sectors. DBT requires expert technical input to further its engagement with the UK steel and aluminium sectors, potentially including in the consideration of new and emerging technologies. This relates primarily to engineering advisory expertise within these sectors, and may also encompass market monitoring, benchmarking, commercial analysis, and demand analysis. The supplier will be expected to support the DBT team in their discussions with key firms within these sectors, aimed at securing pathways to commercial sustainability.

Delivery Partner for Development of Fifth Street as part of the Durham County Council Horden Master Plan

Durham County Council

Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) Delivery Partner for Development of Fifth Street as part of the Durham County Council Horden Master Plan Durham County Council are inviting suppliers to participate in this Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) to gain insight from the market with the purpose of making any potential future exercise, well framed, feasible, focused and of likely interest to the market in the context of the delivery of the Fifth Street development of the Horden Masterplan. This PME will shape the council's approach to securing delivery partner(s) to deliver upon the aims and objectives of the masterplan. The Council is aware in order to deliver the full scope of the masterplan and transform the area of Horden that involvement from a delivery partner will be required in order to maximise the delivery potential of the various sites within the masterplan phases. However, this PME is specifically focused on the development of Fifth Street, Horden which is part of Phase 1 of the Horden Masterplan. Further information can be found in the PME documents to be downloaded from www.open-org.uk and insert reference Open 20261579

Future Ready Programme: Strategic Partner for Transformation

The Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London

We are seeking to understand the art of the possible by drawing on market insight, innovation and experience to inform future options, rather than defining fixed solutions or deliverables at this stage. Transformation ambition Our ambition is to establish a future ready organisation that is: Financially sustainable and outcome focused Digital and data enabled by design Able to collaborate across traditional boundaries Equipped with the skills, tools and culture needed to continuously improve Successful transformation will focus on value creation (improving service outcomes, operational efficiency and staff experience) while maintaining the City Corporation’s distinctive strengths and responsibilities. This organisation carries nearly 1,000 years of history. Our transformation approach must honour that heritage while confidently shaping the organisation for the future.

Future Ready Programme: Strategic Partner for Transformation

The Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London

We are seeking to understand the art of the possible by drawing on market insight, innovation and experience to inform future options, rather than defining fixed solutions or deliverables at this stage. Transformation ambition Our ambition is to establish a future ready organisation that is: Financially sustainable and outcome focused Digital and data enabled by design Able to collaborate across traditional boundaries Equipped with the skills, tools and culture needed to continuously improve Successful transformation will focus on value creation (improving service outcomes, operational efficiency and staff experience) while maintaining the City Corporation’s distinctive strengths and responsibilities. This organisation carries nearly 1,000 years of history. Our transformation approach must honour that heritage while confidently shaping the organisation for the future.

Innovation Marketplace

Government Commercial Agency

The Commercial Innovation Hub (CIH) is a cross-government centre of excellence that is pioneering new approaches to service design and procurement, established to drive procurement of innovation across government and the wider public sector. The CIH was created in the context of the Procurement Act 2023 coming into force and is framed as a joint DSIT–GCA initiative announced as part of the National Procurement Policy Statement. The CIH will tackle a persistent set of barriers that limit procurement-led innovation Traditional procurement approaches are not suited for acquiring novel technologies and not always accessible for SMEs and Start Ups” and there is a perceived risk culture that limits “psychological safety to ‘fail fast’”. The CIH rationale highlights the need to improve awareness and practical use of “commercial innovation opportunities” through briefs, tools and templates, and to help departments pilot innovations and contract with new supply chains. This agreement will provide a marketplace for public sector buyers to access suppliers who specialise in innovation covering a wide range of services. As part of the collaboration with DSIT, this will be preceded by collaboration areas, referred to as Digital Commercial Innovation Hub. In these sandboxes problems and solutions will be reviewed and the Innovation Marketplace will then provide the contractual route for any potential solutions that are taken forward to delivery. This part of the proposition will be owned and delivered by DSIT. There is no physical (IT solution or otherwise) between the Hub and Innovation Marketplace Dynamic Market When contacting GCA regarding this agreement, please ensure that you reference the agreement details in all correspondence

Construction Related Consultancy Framework

London Borough of Haringey

A new Framework Alliance Agreement for Construction Related Consultancy Services (CRCS) is required and will run along side our existing Construction, Estates and Property Professional Services Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) until the expiry of the DPS in March 2028. Haringey Council is acting as lead contracting authority (as defined in the Procurement Act 2023) for the purposes of undertaking this open procedure procurement exercise in accordance with section 20(2)(a) of the Act and concluding a Framework Alliance Agreement (FAC-1) with each of the successful tenderers. The Client invites Tenders from Tenderers who can provide high quality consultancy services, suppliers are expected to have a customer focused approach that delivers value for money and social value for the services as set out in the Service Specification for each discipline

Construction Related Consultancy Framework

London Borough of Haringey

A new Framework Alliance Agreement for Construction Related Consultancy Services (CRCS) is required and will run along side our existing Construction, Estates and Property Professional Services Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) until the expiry of the DPS in March 2028. Haringey Council is acting as lead contracting authority (as defined in the Procurement Act 2023) for the purposes of undertaking this open procedure procurement exercise in accordance with section 20(2)(a) of the Act and concluding a Framework Alliance Agreement (FAC-1) with each of the successful tenderers. The Client invites Tenders from Tenderers who can provide high quality consultancy services, suppliers are expected to have a customer focused approach that delivers value for money and social value for the services as set out in the Service Specification for each discipline

VRU - Expert Partner for Youth Digital Safety in London

Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime

About the VRU The London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), hosted within the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), pioneers a partnership-based public health approach to tackling violence through prevention and early intervention. Since 2019, the VRU has invested in over 550,000 targeted interventions for young people across London. Working with partners across government, local authorities, education, health, policing and the voluntary and community sector, the VRU supports coordinated action at the key touchpoints that influence a young person’s journey: early years and families, education, positive opportunities, youth work, and communities and place. Central to the VRU’s approach is a commitment to embedding the voices of young people, practitioners and communities in policy, programme design and decision-making. Programme Background The VRU recognises that the rapid growth of digital platforms and technologies has created both new opportunities and new risks for children and young people. While online spaces can support connection, creativity, learning and participation, they can also expose young people to harmful content, exploitation, misogyny, harassment, coercion and technology-enabled abuse, and can contribute to the escalation of offline harm and violence. As digital risks continue to evolve, there remains a significant gap between young people’s lived experiences of the online world and the systems, policies and services designed to support them. The VRU is therefore developing a wider digital safety programme to strengthen London’s response to online harms through a more coordinated, place-based and multi-agency approach. This programme is expected to include: - Strengthening trusted adult capability through specialist training and practical support. - Piloting innovative digital youth work approaches that engage young people safely in digital spaces. - Supporting local authorities and borough partners to test and strengthen local responses to on

Building Standards Research and Technical Services Framework

Scottish Government

The Authority intends to establish a multi-supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of research and technical services across seven lots. The Framework Agreement will be available for use by Scottish Government, Building Standards Division only and will enable the procurement of specialist support in the following areas: Lot 1: Fire Lot 2: Safety/Accessibility Lot 3: Energy (Software, Tools and Methodology) Lot 4: Energy (Policy and Research) Lot 5: Environment and Sustainability Lot 6: Structure Lot 7: Non-technical Economic operators may bid for one, several, or all lots. No guarantee is given as to the volume or value of services that may be awarded under the Framework Agreement. Call-off contracts will be awarded in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement. The estimated maximum framework value is GBP 4,000,000. Call-off contracts under the Framework Agreement may be awarded by either direct award or mini-competition in accordance with the framework terms and conditions. The Authority reserves the right to use either method as appropriate to the specific requirement.

Existing Water Treatment Solutions

Mining Remediation Authority

The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) manages the effects of past coal mining, including managing mine water pollution from both coal and metal mines, handling subsidence damage claims which are not the responsibility of licensed coal mine operators, and managing other mining legacy issues. The MRA seek to understand the current capabilities and limitations of, and opportunities presented by, treatment technologies used to remove saline and other mine water contaminants, opportunities for reducing or repurposing wastes, and opportunities for reducing the energy consumption of treatment plant. This will allow MRA to effectively plan future operational work such as purge- and pumping tests where treatment may be required and will potentially be used in the final design of long term MWTS. More information on the scope requirements, procurement strategy and how to register your interest and information on the virtual event will be sent to interested parties on receipt of interest. This notice is issued for information and engagement purposes only and does not constitute a call for competition.

Additional Analytical Methods for NDNS Biomonitoring

Food Standards Agency

Tenders are invited to undertake a research project to identify suitable biomarkers of priority (groups of) additives (Lot 1) and contaminants (Lot 2), Metals (Lot 3) and develop and validate analytical chemistry methods for their quantitative measurement in human urine. In addition, an approach for estimating systemic exposure and theoretical dietary intake of each chemical of interest, from measured urinary excretion of the biomarker(s), should be derived. The FSA is requesting that methods and approaches are determined, and proven for feasibility, for substances from the following food additive and other chemical contaminant groups, below or up to the estimated budget of £100,000 (exc. VAT) Lot 1 and £50,000 (exc VAT) each for lot 2 and 3. The substance groups have been prioritised in accordance with the FSA’s food safety remit and specific priorities. All documents and communication for FSA funded projects must be submitted through the health-family single e-Commercial System (Atamis), using the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome

Met Office Communications Framework

Met Office

Link to the opportunity to register your interest and download the information relating to the PME (Copy this link into the search engine to take you to the opportunity): https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=5b508e02-4c6a-f111-813c-005056b64545&p=cca2f054-f21a-e711-80dd-005056b64545 The Met Office has commenced market engagement activities to inform its approach to sourcing a new Framework for Communications. The Met Office is seeking suppliers who we can work with to help us deliver impactful, innovative, cost-effective and on-brand campaigns and communications related projects. Our ambition is that we can be much more agile in bringing on board suppliers, agencies and specialists for short-term projects and campaigns - making it quicker, easier and simpler for us and you. It is the intention to procure this requirement via an Open Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23). The proposed structure of the framework is split into four Lots: Lot 1 - THINK: Communications Strategy, Campaigns and Reputation Lot 2 - MAKE: Content, Studio and Technical Delivery Lot 3 - IDENTITY: Brand, Identity and Experience Lot 4 - DELIVER: Events and Engagement Delivery Note: Suppliers can bid for a single lot or multiple lots. The total estimated value of the framework is £1,000,000, covering all four Lots over a 4-year period. Supplier Engagement Event A virtual supplier engagement event will be held as follows: Date: 5th August 2026 Time: 13:30 - 15:00 Location: Microsoft Teams This session will provide an opportunity for suppliers to contribute to the development of the Met Office's approach to sourcing these capabilities. The event will primarily consist of: A presentation outlining current thinking A Q&A session A briefing on next steps Attendance Registration Suppliers interested in attending must register via the Proactis portal, providing: Attendee name(s) Email address(es) Please note that attendance is limited to a maximum of two representatives per organis

Request for Information (RFI) relating to Education, Research, Technology, Innovation Open Framework

JISC

This is an information gathering exercise. The purpose of this Request for Information is to gain market insight into current consultancy market capability and capacity to test the market appetite, shape the new open framework design and ensure that it is accessible and attractive to a diverse and sustainable supplier base. Jisc is interested in engaging with a broad range of suppliers (experts) who can contribute to these areas of delivery. This includes, but is not limited to: Large multidisciplinary consulting firms Specialist SMEs Niche consultancy providers Digital, transformation and strategy consultancies Organisational development and change specialists Commercial, financial and advisory consultancies Jisc welcomes responses from suppliers with varied expertise, delivery models and organisational structures, recognising that diversity of capability and perspective is key to supporting the evolving needs of the UK tertiary education and research sector. However please be aware that Jisc is a complex company therefore our specific call off requirements are often niche. It is paramount that the companies we ultimately accept onto our framework understand Jisc, our projects and our contribution to the education sector. The proposed lots for the open framework are: 1. Research, innovation, technology and management 2. Immersive and simulated technology services 3. Scholarly communications, information and library services 4. Research to support the digital transformation of teaching, learning, assessment and the student experience 5.Market horizon scan, trends, insights and competitor analysis research 6.Specialist Insight and Advisory in Digital Licensing and Emerging Markets

Request for Information (RFI) relating to Education, Research, Technology, Innovation Open Framework

JISC

This is an information gathering exercise. The purpose of this Request for Information is to gain market insight into current consultancy market capability and capacity to test the market appetite, shape the new open framework design and ensure that it is accessible and attractive to a diverse and sustainable supplier base. Jisc is interested in engaging with a broad range of suppliers (experts) who can contribute to these areas of delivery. This includes, but is not limited to: Large multidisciplinary consulting firms Specialist SMEs Niche consultancy providers Digital, transformation and strategy consultancies Organisational development and change specialists Commercial, financial and advisory consultancies Jisc welcomes responses from suppliers with varied expertise, delivery models and organisational structures, recognising that diversity of capability and perspective is key to supporting the evolving needs of the UK tertiary education and research sector. However please be aware that Jisc is a complex company therefore our specific call off requirements are often niche. It is paramount that the companies we ultimately accept onto our framework understand Jisc, our projects and our contribution to the education sector. The proposed lots for the open framework are: 1. Research, innovation, technology and management 2. Immersive and simulated technology services 3. Scholarly communications, information and library services 4. Research to support the digital transformation of teaching, learning, assessment and the student experience 5.Market horizon scan, trends, insights and competitor analysis research 6.Specialist Insight and Advisory in Digital Licensing and Emerging Markets

Meet The Buyer Event

West Berkshire Council

This is a notice for a Meet the Buyer event, not a procurement exercise.

University Interactions - NDA Research Portfolio

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

DCMS Place-Based Philanthropy Plan - CoP Delivery Market Engagement

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

MARKET ENGAGEMENT ONLY All information contained and shared in this publication may be subject to change. This is not a call for competition or expressions of interest, but we would like interested suppliers to respond with any relevant feedback to these 4 documents. DCMS is planning to conduct a procurement of a delivery partner to establish and manage a national Community of Practice (CoP) for place-based organisations, as outlined in DCMS's place-based philanthropy plan, ‘Our Place to Give’. Interested suppliers should paste the link into their browser, and download a copy of each relevant document. This includes an outline of the engagement and appendix A: DCMS Statement of Requirements as well as appendix B Market Research and Appendix C: Price Response Template. Completed documents with feedback should be returned to: commercial@dcms.gov.uk by Monday 22nd June 2026, at 2.30pm referencing ‘105077 DCMS Place-Based Philanthropy Plan - CoP Delivery Market Engagement’ in the subject line. Link to supplier engagement documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10HZ2w6qIJAOIpWAZ5k-5e-zGNhci2Eys?usp=sharing

Meta-analysis of the variability of hemp (Cannabis sativa)

Food Standards Agency

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking early market input to inform a potential future procurement relating to the analysis of variation in the composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa). This work forms part of the FSA Novel Foods Programme and would contribute evidence to protect consumers from unacceptable risks associated with food consumption and to safeguards their interests in relation to food. This is not a call for competition. The purpose is to: • Test feasibility • Understand market capability • Inform potential future procurement design • Details provided are subject to change. Premarket engagement for Additional Analytical Methods for NDNS Biomonitoring. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking early market input to inform a potential future procurement relating to the development of analytical methods to support biomonitoring of food additives and chemical contaminants. This work forms part of the FSA Chemical Hazards Programme and aims to improve understanding of UK consumer exposure through novel biomonitoring approaches. The information gathered will be used solely to shape the FSA’s understanding of the market and to refine a potential future competitive procurement. Participation is voluntary, and non-participation will not disadvantage suppliers in any subsequent procurement process. All documents and communication for FSA funded projects must be submitted through the health-family single e-Commercial System (Atamis), using the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome

Housing 21 - Seeking ‘Expressions of Interest’ (EOI) for DEI Resident Profile Research Project

Housing 21

Housing 21 are planning a future below - threshold quotation exercise to seek an experienced research company to conduct comprehensive resident research on Diversity, Equality and inclusion. We are looking for a specialist partner to deliver actionable insights into our residents' needs, satisfaction levels, and future living requirements. This data will be vital for shaping our upcoming service improvements and insights will directly contribute to our future journey and drive our internal strategy. In the first instance, interested agencies who would like to be considered to quote must demonstrate a strong track record of conducting similar pieces of research and submit their initial Expressions of Interest (EOI) by email to procurementteam@housing21.org.uk : •Provide a brief company overview •Describe the piece of research you did, highlighting its successes and impact Please title the email subject : EOI-Research partner [ add your company name] Please note this is not a tender. Companies with the most experience in this research area, may be invited to quote

DCMS Place-Based Philanthropy Plan - CoP Delivery Market Engagement

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

MARKET ENGAGEMENT ONLY All information contained and shared in this publication may be subject to change. This is not a call for competition or expressions of interest, but we would like interested suppliers to respond using the messaging function in Atamis with any relevant feedback to these documents. DCMS is planning to conduct a procurement of a delivery partner to establish and manage a national Community of Practice (CoP) for place-based organisations, as outlined in DCMS's place-based philanthropy plan, ‘Our Place to Give’. The information and/or documents for this opportunity are available on the Atamis e-sourcing portal: https://dcms.my.site.com/login. You must register on this site to respond. If you are already registered you will not need to register again, simply use your existing username and password. Please note there is a password reminder link on the homepage. Please ensure you review all communications and follow any instructions provided to you. If you experience any technical difficulties please contact the Atamis eSourcing Helpdesk at: Support@atamis.co.uk.