Research services

Tender description

The authority intends to launch a tender which seeks to appoint multiple providers onto a framework to provide animal and plant health modelling expertise and services. The framework will be divided into 2 lots: Lot 1: Animal Health Modelling Services; Lot 2: Plant Health Modelling Services. The purpose of Lot 1 will be to establish an advisory group/consortium of animal health modelling expertise, consisting of quantitative modelling knowledge, tools and techniques which are available to be applied potentially at short-notice, for example, to respond in an emergency or to answer an ad hoc policy request. While the authority may require some or all of the services outlined in relation to current or future policy interests in animal health, current exotic diseases of interest include, but are not limited to: — foot and mouth disease, — African swine fever, — classical swine fever, — bluetongue, — avian influenza, — swine vesicular disease, — Newcastle disease, — African horse sickness, — equine infectious anaemia. There may be a need for modelling in support of endemic diseases for example, Salmonella. Providers may be required to supply services in relation to one or more of the disease listed above. Providers may or may not have access to their own disease simulation tool(s) and/or Disease investigation packages DIP(s). Quantitative modelling provides the authority with evidence to support policy making in the event of an outbreak of plant pest or disease and supports policy and operational activity relating to the management of plant pest and disease already present. It also contributes to the evidence base around preparedness for future threats. Current plant health policy interests include Phytophthora ramorum, Phytophthora kernoviae, Chalara, Oak Processionary Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, Xylella fastidiosa, Acute Oak Decline, Varroa and Asian Hornet. Providers will be required to provide modelling services in relation to 1 or more of the pests/diseases listed above. The authority may also ask providers to develop models for new priority pests and diseases as identified by prioritisation activities, such as the UK Plant Health Risk Register. Providers must have access to their own pest/disease simulation tool(s).