CEFAS26-11 Framework for Next Generation Sequencing Services

Overview

Cefas are seeking to establish a Framework for the provision of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services, for a variety of NGS analyses methods, to support the delivery of numerous and varied research programmes that are utilising genomics. The framework is split into 4 Lots and Suppliers can bid for any number of Lots. Cefas intends to award up to 5 Contracts for each Lot, based on Suppliers meeting the required technical and pricing evaluation criteria. Cefas will then call-off from the framework for individual project requirements, as set out in the full Specification of Requirement document in the Bidder Pack. If a Supplier is awarded multiple Lots, one Contract will be awarded to cover the relevant Lots. The Contract implementation is expected to start in August 2026 for a period of 3 years with the option to extend for 2 further periods of 12 months each. Prices will be fixed for the initial 3 year period of the Contract. Prices may then be increased on an annual basis if the Contract is extended, in line with CPI. Lot 1 - Targeted Sequencing Suppliers will deliver targeted sequencing analyses, such as: • Amplicon sequencing and metabarcoding, utilising mainly 16S, 18S, COI and ITS markers, but also other custom primers may be required on an ad-hoc basis. • Library enrichment, such as bait capture/hybrid probe capture techniques. Lot 2 - Whole Genome Suppliers will deliver whole genome, metagenomic and transcriptomic sequencing, in applications such as: • Whole genome/metagenomic sequencing for microbial diversity, microbiome analysis, species identification, pathogen detection, genome assembly, AMR screening, population genetics. • Transcriptomic/single-cell/spatial transcriptomic sequencing for host-pathogen interactions, functional annotation/classification, metabolic pathways, gene expression. Lot 3 - Long-Read Sequencing Suppliers will provide long-read sequencing analysis, using either PacBio or Oxford Nanopore Technologies. This may be for several different applications, mainly studies of: • Microbial diversity, microbiome analysis, species identification, pathogen detection • Whole-genome assembly, AMR screening, population genetics • Nanopore-specific - Methylation sequencing, epigenetics Lot 4 - Ad-Hoc Requirements Suppliers will ad-hoc requests, i.e. those that do not fit in the prior lot categories. This would most likely be utilised when a unique/proprietary technology or analysis is required, such as RAD-Seq, that Cefas cannot undertake in-house. Specifics would be detailed in the individual project request via the call-off process, which will be a mini-competition process as set out in Appendix 4. AWARDED SUPPLIERS - Lot 1 Biomarker Technologies University of Northumbria University of Exeter QIB Extra Edinburgh Genetics University of Plymouth Lot 2 Biomarker Technologies Novogene University of Exeter Edinburgh Genetics QIB Extra Lot 3 University of Northumbria University of Exeter Biomarker Technologies Edinburgh Genetics Edinburgh Innovations Lot 4 Biomarker Technologies Earlham Institute Novogene Source BioScience **Please note due to system constraints please note that the actual number of assessed tenders for lot 4 was 4***