CEFAS22-11 Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services Framework

To help meet increasing needs, Cefas have a requirement to establish a new framework agreement for the provision of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) services to include the approaches detailed below, and any proposed solution/awarded Provider must be able to fulfil the following requirements (as a minimum):

1. The service provided must include the receipt of sample(s) from Cefas, Library Preparation, Quality Control and sequencing, and delivery of data back to Cefas.

2. The service provided must be able to offer, depending on the requirements of the project, a range of NGS technical options including but not restricted to high throughput short and long read sequencing (including Illumina MiSeq, HiSeq, and NovaSeq platforms, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies) for a diverse range of sequencing requirements, including but not restricted to amplicon sequencing (metabarcoding and multiplexed protocols), whole/partial genome sequencing, mitogenomics, genome skimming, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, RNASeq, and hybrid approaches.

Depending on the requirements of the project, some processing and initial analyses of the raw data may be requested. Collaborative, jointly-authored projects will also be undertaken, with input from both parties.

https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk/go/39626026017F64A08C6F

Additional information: Bravo E-tendering Portal - managing procurement on behalf of Cefas https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk

Thank you for your interest in tendering for this requirement, You will need to access the documents through Bravo Solutions portal using the link provided.

If you are new to Bravo, you are required to register as a supplier:

1) Visit https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk and click the link to register - Accept the terms and conditions and click 'continue' - Enter your correct business and user details - Note the username you chose (usually your email address) and click 'Save' when complete - You will shortly receive an email (check spam filters if this does not arrive in a timely manner) with your unique password (please keep this secure). You can then log onto the system and change your password. Once these step are completed you can apply for any tender on Bravo using these details.

2) To read the full details or apply for a tender: - Login to the portal with the username/password - Click the 'PQQs / ITTs Open To All Suppliers' link. (These are opportunities open to any registered supplier) - Click on the relevant PQQ/ ITT to access the content - Click the 'Express Interest' button at the top of the page. (This will move the PQQ /ITT into your 'My PQQs/ My ITTs' page) within your Bravo account. - Access the tender information by clicking 'Buyer Attachments' in the 'PQQ/ ITT Details' box 3.

3) Responding to the tender: - Click 'My Response' under 'PQQ/ ITT Details', you can choose to 'Create Response' or to 'Decline to Respond' (please give a reason if declining) - You can now use the 'Messages' function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification - Note the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the requirements to upload a successful Tender. There may be a mixture of online and offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help available) - Once all information is complete, you can then submit your reply using the 'Submit Response' button at the top of the page. Please give yourself enough time to complete this before the deadline. If you require any further assistance please consult the online help, or contact the e-Tendering help desk.

Please direct all questions and queries to Cefas using the message function of the portal, including any clarification questions. This is to ensure no questions are missed and that all answers can be shared with all interested suppliers at the same time.