Shellfish E. coli Monitoring Service for Shetland and Orkney

Cefas is seeking market feedback on a planned statutory microbiological monitoring service for Food Standards Scotland (FSS). This is a market engagement notice, not a formal procurement competition. Background: FSS operates an official control programme to monitor faecal contamination in live bivalve molluscs and classify shellfish harvesting areas. Cefas coordinates programme delivery and is planning a contract covering Shetland and Orkney, with potential expansion to other Scottish areas. Current estimates indicate approximately 624 shellfish samples annually, though volumes may change based on regulatory requirements and incidents. Market Engagement Events: Cefas will host two online sessions (15 October 2026 at 15:00 and 19 October 2026 at 10:00 via MS Teams) to help potential suppliers understand the requirement, test service delivery feasibility, and raise questions. Registration on Eventbrite is required at least 2 days before attendance. Questions can be submitted in advance to procure@cefas.gov.uk. Participation provides no advantage in future procurement, and non-participation does not prevent competition entry. Service Requirement: The contract requires an integrated end-to-end service including logistics, laboratory analysis, and reporting. Suppliers must establish reliable sample delivery from remote islands within 48 hours of collection at 1-10°C, receive samples Monday to Friday with early or late deliveries as needed, perform E. coli analysis using approved UK National Reference Laboratory methods (ISO 16649-2 or ISO 16649-3), upload results to the FSS Shellfish Monitoring & Classification system, and support urgent follow-up and resampling. Sample collection will be arranged separately, but suppliers must coordinate closely with sampling contractors. Supplier Requirements: Applicants must obtain or hold FSS official laboratory designation; maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the relevant shellfish matrix and analytical method; employ appropriately appointed Food Examiners and trained analytical staff; maintain sufficient capacity and operational resilience; mobilise operations within two months; and be fully operational by 1 April 2027. Subcontracting is not permitted except for sample transport logistics. Pricing: Fixed unit charges per result reported, per sample transported from Shetland, and per sample transported from Orkney, invoiced monthly in arrears. Contract Duration: One year with optional extensions of 36 months and then 24 months, subject to FSS agreement.