Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bbb-b55d-708c-bb42-c59d463d3f21/advancing-the-metabarcoding-assay-validation-framework [Skip to main content](#main-content) awardedGBopen procedureSuitable for SMEs # Advancing the metabarcoding assay validation framework [Natural England](https://tendernation.io/buyers/natural-england) Estimated value £41,666 Published 11 Jul 2025 Deadline Closed 20 Jun 2025 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Below-threshold contract Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts). [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85) - Sets up a framework Winning a place does not guarantee work: contracts are awarded later as call-offs, and the list usually stays closed for years. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](/opportunities/for-small-businesses)## About this tender DNA-based methods have the potential to significantly change how we monitor and assess ecosystems. Natural England has been exploring the use of these methods for environmental monitoring for several years, delivering a series of reports which focus on the development of DNA-based methods with potential in a particular area. These methods are now being used more widely within Natural England, particularly the detection of ecological communities using environmental DNA (eDNA). This is often conducted by employing metabarcoding assays which target specific species assemblages (e.g. fish, mammals) or broader taxonomic groups (e.g. vertebrates, invertebrates, bacteria). The DNA Team aims to operationalise DNA-based methods and produces guidance for using them in monitoring projects. In order to provide sound recommendations, it is important that we understand the limitations of, and uncertainties with, DNA-based methods. Natural England staff need to be able to understand how DNA-derived data can be used, and the confidence they can have in data derived using different DNA-based methods which have been validated to different stages. Natural England previously commissioned the development of a framework to enable end users to assess confidence in metabarcoding assays and results (Pagaling and others, under review; a copy of the framework can be provided by Natural England upon request by emailing ). By using the checklist and levelled scale, end users can appropriately interpret results. It also provides validation and reporting standards for the development of new metabarcoding assays. The framework will enable end-users to determine the recommended scenarios for application of a given assay and improve assay performance with further validation. As part of development, the framework was trialled against five commonly used assays in the eDNA literature, with specific climate and habitat combinations to account for inherent differences in biodiversity between climates and different workflows used across habitats. Due to time and resource, only temperate climates and one or two habitats for each assay were considered, and the number of metabarcoding studies evaluated to assign a level for each assay varied. This project will advance the metabarcoding assay validation framework by expanding upon this trial to conduct a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis, covering more assays being used for different purposes and in different contexts. Feedback on the framework will be sought from the wider eDNA community and a user guide created for applying the framework. Read full description ## CPV classification Research and development services and related consultancy services Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-0524a3-2025-07-11T11:23:24+01:00 [View official notice ](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-0524a3-2025-07-11T11:23:24+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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