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CfT: DAERA AFBI Commercialisation of AFBI-bred forage grass varieties

Buyer Organisation:
CPD - Supplies and Services Division
Title:
DAERA AFBI Commercialisation of AFBI-bred forage grass varieties
CfT CA Unique ID:
SSD-5238
Evaluation Mechanism:
Best Price-Quality Ratio
Description:
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is Northern Ireland’s largest science and technology organisation and an internationally renowned multidisciplinary scientific organisation, based at seven locations across Northern Ireland. In line with our Vision of “Advancing the local and global agri food sectors through scientific excellence”, AFBI works with a range of partners to provide scientific solutions to the global challenges of climate change, food security and environmental protection. Our staff undertake scientific research, surveillance, and analytical and diagnostic testing for a wide range of customers in the fields of sustainable agricultural systems, animal health and welfare, plant science, food innovation and safety, environmental protection, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems and agricultural and rural economics. AFBI is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) established under the Agriculture (Northern Ireland) Order, 2004. The Institute undertakes an assigned work programme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) that comprises statutory, analytical, and diagnostic/surveillance testing, together with research and development and the provision of specialist advice in the fields of agriculture, animal health and welfare, plant science, food safety and innovation, marine and fisheries, the natural environment and agri-food and rural economics. The AFBI grass breeding programme, based in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, produces locally-adapted ryegrass varieties for a range of forage grass markets, but primarily for the NI as well as the GB/ROI markets. The programme, which has been in place since 1952, has a long history, and a strong reputation in the marketplace. The AFBI programme has been extremely successful. As of 2020/21, there were 19 different AFBI-bred ryegrass varieties on the Irish and UK recommended lists. There were also a number of varieties on recommended lists in other European countries. The average annual number of AFBI varieties that have been accepted onto Recommended Lists over the past 10 years is 2.6, demonstrating the consistent performance of new AFBI varieties. The current programme focuses on the production of intermediate and late diploid and tetraploid perennial ryegrass varieties for both silage and grazing, as well as varieties of the hybrid type. The AFBI forage grass breeding programme is split into two programmes: the strategic programme and the commercialisation programme. The early stage strategic programme is funded by DAERA, and produces germplasm for incorporation into new synthetics. The commercialisation programme tests near-market stage synthetics prior to national list testing and subsequent commercialisation. AFBI requires a commercialisation partner in order for AFBI-bred varieties to be tested for market performance prior to national/recommended list testing, and ultimately for seed from AFBI-bred varieties to reach target markets. In compliance with the Concession Contracts Regulations 2016, AFBI therefore intends to run a tender exercise for commercialisation rights to all future AFBI-bred varieties for the purposes of testing, production and marketing of these varieties.
Services, Works, Goods:
Services
CPC Category:
Other services
Directive:
Old Concession
Procedure:
Open
CfT Involves:
A Public Contract
CPV Codes:
66151000-Financial market operational services
77100000-Agricultural services
Publish on behalf of:
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute NI
Award per Item:
No
NUTS codes:
UKN
Above or Below Threshold:
Above
Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate:
14/06/2022 15:00
End of clarification period:
03/06/2022 17:00
Upload of documents within the clarifications:
Yes
Tenders Opening Date:
14/06/2022 15:30
Allow suppliers to make an online Expression Of Interest:
Yes
Contract awarded in Lots:
No
EU funding:
No
Multiple tenders will be accepted:
No
Contract duration in months or years, excluding extensions:
15 years
Validity of Tender in days or months:
120 days
Date of Publication/Invitation:
13/05/2022 09:35
Publication Date of Contract Award Notice:
07/11/2022 11:29