Effect of probiotics on Campylobacter colonisation within the broiler gut

What the buyer is asking for

A key component of the FSA work is to reduce the burden of foodborne disease in the UK. Campylobacter is the leading bacterial cause of foodborne disease in the UK, with chicken meat being the most common food source of exposure to this pathogen. Campylobacter is widespread in chicken farms, with 60% of UK broilers flocks carrying the pathogen at the point they are slaughtered. Interventions further down the food chain do not reliably eliminate this pathogen. Therefore, reducing Campylobacter colonisation on broiler flocks and contamination on chicken meat is a priority area for the FSA as this will contribute towards reducing human exposure and subsequent reported cases of foodborne disease. A clear evidence gap remains on whether probiotics can consistently affect Campylobacter levels in broilers, across commercial UK farms under routine production conditions, and what magnitude of log reduction is realistically achievable. To address this evidence gap, the FSA are seeking research proposals for an innovative field-trial based study carried out in real-life intensive broiler houses to assess the effectiveness of a range of probiotics on reducing or delaying Campylobacter colonisation in the gut of broiler flocks. The research should be designed to answer the following questions: • “To what extent can commercially available probiotic formulations reduce or delay Campylobacter colonisation in broiler flocks under commercial intensive housed farming conditions, and does this translate into reduced Campylobacter contamination of carcasses at processing?” • “What is the effect of these formulations on welfare and production performance indicators such as mortality, growth rate, feed conversion efficiency and flock health outcomes?” We envisage that the proposed study design will consist of several discrete phases. Given the complexity of controlling Campylobacter in broiler flocks, we would like the inclusion of break clauses at the end of key deliverables to allow sufficient time for the FSA, together with the researcher team, to review the phase findings and determine whether there is sufficient evidence and justification to proceed to the next stage of the project. If not, then the FSA reserves the right to terminate the project.

How this is scored

Published by the buyer. A winning response is written to these weightings, not to the question.

• 80%qualityTechnicalThe extent to which the bidder demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirement and provides a robust, credible, and deliverable methodology. Responses will be evaluated against the quality of the proposed approach, technical capability, relevant experience, project management arrangements, risk management, resources, and ability to achieve the required outcomes and deliverables. Scoring methodology will be provided in the specification.
• 20%costCommercialCommercial / Value for Money (20%) – Assessment of the bidder's proposed pricing and overall value for money. Evaluation will consider the transparency, reasonableness and competitiveness of costs, ensuring that the proposed solution delivers the required outcomes and quality standards while providing the best value for public funds. Scoring methodology will be provided in the specification

What you must already have

Conditions of participation. These are pass or fail, so check them before writing anything.

• economic

  Standard PSQ

• technical

  See Specification

How contested is this?

Buyers publish how many bids they received. Across 44 comparable procurements we can tell you the typical field size, how often one of these goes uncontested, and whether the buyer awards on price or on quality.

Timeline

4 published dates · Europe/London

1. Tender notice published60 days ago

   23 Jul 2026, 20:17 BST
2. Clarification questions byin 8 days

   30 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
3. Submission deadlinein 21 days

   13 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
4. Award decision expected byin 56 days

   16 Nov 2026, 23:59 GMT

Commercial outcome and contract awards

Nothing awarded yet

Notice history

1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender

1. Pipeline or early engagement notice23 Jul 2026, 20:17 BST069976-2026

Payment terms

Payment of undisputed invoices will be made within 30 days of receipt of invoice, which must be submitted promptly by the Supplier. All invoices must be sent, quoting a valid Purchase Order Number (PO Number). Within 10 Working Days of receipt of your countersigned copy of this Order Form, we will send you a unique PO Number. You must be in receipt of a valid PO Number before submitting an invoice. To avoid delay in payment it is important that the invoice is compliant and that it includes a valid PO Number, item number (if applicable) and the details (name, email, and telephone number) of your Buyer contact (i.e. Buyer Authorised Repre-sentative). Non-compliant invoices may be sent back to you, which may lead to a delay in payment.