The Delivery of Meat Official Controls in England and Wales

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), is the Central Competent Authority for the delivery of official controls on food in England and Wales. The main objective of the Agency in carrying out its functions is to protect public health from risks which may arise in connection with the consumption of food (including risks caused by the way in which it is produced or supplied) and otherwise to protect the interests of consumers in relation to food.

This tender is for the provision of Official Veterinarians and Contract Meat Hygiene Inspectors for the verification of compliance with legislation through inspection and health marking in FSA Approved Meat Establishments in England and Wales.

The services required are:

• The provision of contract Official Veterinarians and contract Meat Hygiene Inspectors to undertake the delivery of official controls in accordance with EC and UK law in FSA approved meat establishments (slaughterhouses, cutting plants and approved game handling establishments). The supplier is not required to undertake Audit of Food Business Operator systems. • Delivery of services on behalf of Other Government Departments as detailed in the Manual of Official Controls. • Inspection and Examination of animals destined for export to third countries and EU non-harmonised countries and certification of export health certificates.

The Tender lots will be geographically split across 3 Regions;

1. North of England 2. Wales and the West of England 3. East of England

Final Tender lots are to be confirmed. It should also be noted that some cover may be required in Northern Ireland, this will also be confirmed.

The maximum number of lots that will be awarded to one tenderer will be specified in the Invitation to Tender.

The Contract duration is likely to be 2 years with the potential to extend for a further year.

The estimated timeline to issue the Invitation to Tender is September 2016 and it will be open for 4 weeks

Contract Start date will be 27th March 2017.

Additional information: The Contracting Authority intends to use an eTendering system in this procurement exercise.