Anatomic and Isotopic Testing of Timber and Timber Products to verify compliance with applicable standards

Description

The Department for Business and Trade (“DBT”) has a potential requirement for the provision of Anatomic and Isotopic Testing of Timber and Timber Products to verify compliance with the Timber and Timber Products (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2013. DBT are requesting Expressions of Interest ("EOI") pertaining to this requirement. Please email: CommercialBPO@businessandtrade.gov.uk, with 'EOI- Timber Testing' in the subject field, by 11th October 2024 in order to register your interest. At this stage, DBT wishes to understand the size and capability of the supply market. Information that it gathers will be used to refine requirements to ensure they are fit for suppliers to deliver against. Market engagement may be held with interested participants at a future date, subject to requirement and capacity. Lot 1: The full specification shall be provided with the tender documents, but it is expected to require a test facility to undertake analysis of timber and timber products to verify the species and origin against a species declaration, and to check compliance with the Timber and Timber Products (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2013. In the event that the product does not match the species declaration, there is a requirement for the identification of the species and (if possible), it's origin. The key deliverables anticipated; -The test facility shall provide a report for each type of analysis that is undertaken and that all analysis is completed within six (6) weeks of the samples and species declaration being received. -Two test reports, per product, covering the anatomic and isotopic analysis of the samples provided. -Test reports to be sent electronically after each analysis has been concluded. -Where analysis cannot be undertaken, a report outlining the reasons why shall be submitted. It is anticipated that the contract shall be for a period of approximately 24 months with the option for the addition of two further 12-month period to accommodate the completion of testing activity. The requirement has an estimated total value of £200,000 excluding VAT and this value includes any available contract option(s). It should be noted that DBT makes no commitment to procure these services and may decide to not progress this any further following this engagement with the market. DBT reserves the right to change any information contained within the Early Engagement documentation at any time, and Potential Suppliers rely upon any information provided entirely at their own risk. Background- The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is part of The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and was created in January 2018 to deliver consumer protection and to support business confidence, productivity, and growth. OPSS regulate a wide range of products with a focus on their safety and integrity. OPSS works with local, national, and international regulators, with consumer representatives and with businesses to deliver effective protections and to support compliance. OPSS’ mission is to be a trusted product regulator for the UK. This means protecting people and places, enabling business to thrive and empowering consumers to make good choices. OPSS will be a leader of good regulatory practice and a champion of local regulation. OPSS is: • the national regulator for all consumer products, except for vehicles, medicines, and food. • the national regulator for legal metrology, ensuring weighing and measuring instruments are accurate and reliable. • the National Regulator for Construction Products (NRCP). Suppliers are strongly encouraged to read the text at the following link to gain a full understanding of the role of the enforcement services within Government: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-regulation-enforcement-services