Science Capability in Animal Health (SCAH) Capital Programme Pre-Procurement Market Engagement

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) initiates pre-procurement market engagement with the supply chain to develop an understanding of market capacity, capability and appetite, and its aims are to:

• Provide an update on the development of the SCAH Programme;
• Set the context for the SCAH Capital Programme ("SCP"), within the overarching SCAH Programme and ongoing operations of the Weybridge science estate;
• Provide insight into the range of opportunities presented by the SCP (as further described in Section II.2.4 below); and
• Set out next steps for interested suppliers/economic operators to complete the pre-procurement market engagement survey (“survey”) and register for further updates. Interested suppliers/economic operators are advised to read all of this PIN and the expanded back ground information provided in the survey site linked in Section II.2.4. Principle public sector organisations involved: Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). You can find out more about APHA here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra): You can find out more about Defra here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs Together, Defra and APHA are developing the client capabilities required to deliver the SCAH Programme, through an Intelligent Client Function (ICF). APHA is based at the Weybridge science estate, and provides the UK’s primary capability for managing the extensive and continuously evolving threats posed by the spread of high-risk diseases carried by animals. SCP background: In March 2020 the Government committed to transform the animal science facility at Weybridge. The programme is aimed at safeguarding and enhancing the Weybridge science estate, providing additional world class, state of the art laboratory space and high level ACDP biocontainment facilities. The SCAH Programme comprises the SCAH Transformation Programme and the SCAH Capital Programme. The SCAH Transformation Programme covers the development of new scientific, digital and facilities management operating models to allow APHA and Defra to fully deliver their long-term strategic objectives. It is planned to be delivered through the Defra/APHA client function alongside the SCAH Capital Programme. This PIN relates specifically to the SCP. Preparation and phasing of the SCP: Preparatory activities are under way, with early demolition works commencing in October 2021. The SCAH Programme is now in preparation and planning stages. Key aspirations for the SCP: There is the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of the UK Construction Industry. Defra is aligned to UK Government policies and strategies (e.g. Construction Playbook), in delivering its 25 year environmental plan. Defra seeks to contract with organisations that share its aspirations to deliver the SCP, including, safety first and well-being culture, the experience, capabilities, capacity, best practice and innovative expertise, including modern methods of construction. Key focus areas include value for money, productivity, delivery certainty, quality, minimising waste, and embedding digital technologies. Defra is committed to working in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way, working towards the Government’s aims to build back greener (e.g. net zero strategy). Defra is seeking to deliver a lasting legacy through social value benefits (e.g. employment, skills and sustainability). The SCAH Programme is committed to providing opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) both locally and across the United Kingdom, either through contracting directly with Defra or indirectly with a Tier 1 services or works supplier to the SCAH Programme. Opportunities are now appearing in the Defra commercial pipeline (link in VI.3). Further information on the role of APHA, and key aspirations can be found in the survey site.