Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13c17-00ce-70cb-9646-d50ef75d0c2d/assisting-the-independent-assessor awarded GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Assisting the Independent Assessor [Defra Network eTendering Portal](https://tendernation.io/buyers/defra-network-etendering-portal) Often single bidder Estimated value £25,000 Published 11 Oct 2017 Deadline Closed 31 Oct 2016 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Small contract value Valued under £135,018 including VAT, the lowest Procurement Act threshold for goods and services. - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender Devon farmer, Mr xxx, alleges that he suffered losses as a result of relying on incorrect information placed on an online portal provided by Defra which meant he was too late to apply for a derogation for 2011 from the Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 (as amended). He complained to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) who in their report, found maladministration against Defra for the original mistake made on the online portal (for which Defra had already apologised) and a further maladministration for the delay in dealing with Mr xxx's complaint. The PHSO was however unable to assess the extent of Mr xxx business or personal losses but made a number of recommendations which Defra addressed through the implementation of an Action Plan (agreed with PHSO). The Plan was approved by the then Permanent Secretary in December 2014. It included the appointment of an Independent Assessor (IA) (barrister) to identify the extent of any losses incurred by Mr xxx's businesses as well as an assessment of his personal losses which relate to injury, distress and loss of amenity as a result of the maladministration. The IA would also consider whether Mr xxxx took steps to mitigate his losses. It has taken some time for those acting for Mr xxxx to provide submissions to the IA. Their claim against Defra for business losses currently stands at some £8.5m. xxxxx of xxxx Chambers was appointed in November 2015 as the Independent Assessor and approval was given in December 2016 for xxxx(junior counsel) to assist him in the production of his report due to the length of time it had taken for Mr xxxx to provide additional material and Mr xxxx's court commitments. The Attorney General's Office gave approval to appoint xxxx at C panel rates (£80/hour). The IA circulated a draft of his report in May. Mr xxxx's representatives have just submitted extensive comments on the report which will need to be considered by the IA with support from xxxx. The value of her contract is therefore increased to £25k to reflect this additional, complex work and the length is extended to 31 March 2018. We have financial provision in 2017/18 to pay for these costs. The appointment of the IA was authorised by the Permanent Secretary as a fundamental part of the Action Plan. Additional information: Please note that Defra procurement uses e-tendering, provided by Bravosolutions. In order to access the Bravo system you will need to be registered. Could I therefore request that you register on the Bravo portal for Defra. If you're already registered on the Bravo portal please check that your registration includes Defra, as you have to specify us in order to correctly receive the tender documents. If you have any problems with the registration process, please contact the Bravo helpline on 0800 368 4850 or alternatively email them at . The link you require for new registration/amendments to registrations is - [defra.bravosolution.co.uk](https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk) Read full description ## CPV classification Legal services Source Contracts Finder (UK) [View official notice](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/c2bae477-e30e-4994-9a7e-a195f1cd5b22) 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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