Weybridge Technical Assurance and High Containment Services
DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRSEstimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
10 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
The Consultant shall provide independent, expert technical assurance services across the lifecycle of containment laboratory projects including but not limited to refurbishment, new builds and maintenance. The Lots are:
NBC Technical Assurance Partner, with an estimated contract value of £18,300,000 Weybridge DgP Technical Assurance and High Containment Services, with an estimated contract value of £7,000,000
One contract is awarded for each Lot. This contract provides specialist support to the Client (Defra group Property) in the development of containment requirements, provide design reviews, review and/ or write User Requirements Specification (URS)/ User Requirements Brief (URB) for specialist equipment, conduct safety assessments, create and manage documentation, attend testing, provide operational support, perform facility surveys, review technical responses, and manage commissioning for all biocontainment levels up to ACDP2 & ACDP 3/SAPO 4. Additional information: DPS procurement Agreement IDRM6242 Start date03/11/2021 End date23/02/2029 Filtering categories: Laboratory advisory services, Life sciences, Laboratories, Life Sciences
AI Analysis
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The UK government (Defra) is looking for specialist consultants to provide technical oversight and expert advice on containment laboratory projects—including building new labs, refurbishing existing ones, and maintaining them. This is a long-term partnership to ensure labs meet strict safety and containment standards. There are two separate contracts (Lots) available, worth £18.3 million and £7 million respectively.
Requirements
- Proven expertise in technical assurance for containment laboratory projects
- Ability to work with biocontainment facilities up to ACDP2 and ACDP3/SAPO4 safety levels
- Experience writing and reviewing User Requirements Specifications (URS) and User Requirements Briefs (URB) for specialist laboratory equipment
- Capability to conduct safety assessments for containment facilities
- Experience with design reviews for laboratory refurbishment and new build projects
- Ability to perform facility surveys and inspections
- Knowledge of containment laboratory commissioning processes
- Experience managing technical documentation for laboratory projects
- Ability to provide operational support and attend testing/commissioning activities
- Understanding of ACDP (Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens) regulations and standards
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Develop and define containment requirements for laboratory projects
- Conduct design reviews for new laboratory builds and refurbishment projects
- Write and review User Requirements Specifications (URS) and User Requirements Briefs (URB) for specialist equipment
- Perform safety assessments across all biocontainment levels (up to ACDP2 and ACDP3/SAPO4)
- Create and manage technical project documentation throughout the project lifecycle
- Conduct facility surveys and technical inspections
- Review technical responses and proposals from contractors
- Attend and support testing and commissioning of laboratory facilities
- Provide operational support during and after facility launch
- Manage the commissioning process for containment laboratories
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) contract—not a traditional one-off tender. It means Defra has pre-approved suppliers on a framework, and work is awarded through mini-competitions. You need to understand how DPS works; it's a longer application process upfront but can lead to ongoing work.
- 2There are two separate Lots with different values (£18.3m and £7m). Read the full tender documents carefully to understand which Lot suits your business—you may be able to bid for one or both, but they are separate contracts.
- 3ACDP levels are critical jargon here. ACDP refers to biosafety levels (how dangerous the pathogens are that the lab will handle). Make sure you genuinely understand these standards—if you don't have proven experience at ACDP3 level, you'll struggle. Check the full tender to see if there are minimum experience requirements.
- 4This contract runs from November 2021 to February 2029—a long-term partnership. Defra is looking for stability and consistency, not just a quick project. Emphasise your ability to provide long-term, reliable support and your understanding of how labs evolve over time.
- 5The tasks span the entire lifecycle: from requirements development (early stage) through design, safety, commissioning, and operational support. You need to show you can handle all these phases, not just one part of the process.
Tips for Small Businesses
- This is a high-value contract (£18m+) that may be out of reach alone, but consider forming a consortium with larger consultancies or specialist lab firms. Many SMEs win these contracts as part of a team. Check the tender documents for any guidance on how Defra prefers consortiums to be structured.
- Defra is a government body, so social value scoring will likely matter. Document any commitments to UK jobs, local hiring, apprenticeships, or support for underrepresented groups in STEM. Even small pledges can help you score competitively.
- ACDP3 experience is a barrier to entry—if you don't have it, partner with someone who does, or consider bidding for the smaller Lot (£7m) if it has lower biosafety-level requirements. Read the detailed tender to see if experience can be demonstrated via supply chain partners.
Award Details
MERRICK and COMPANY UK LIMITED
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DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRSKey Dates
Published
10 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
award
Source
find a tender
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