CEFAS26-11 Framework for Next Generation Sequencing Services

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. Full details of the tender and framework processes are set out in the Bidder Pack documents. PLEASE NOTE: All Suppliers bidding for any number of Lots must complete the Procurement Specific Questionnaire Envelope. 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.