eDNA Kits, analysis of returned samples, and associated reporting

This opportunity is advertised by Defra group Commercial on behalf of Natural England.

Natural England is the government's advisor on the natural environment. Natural England provide practical advice, grounded in science, on how best to safeguard England's natural wealth for the benefit of everyone. Natural England's remit is to ensure sustainable stewardship of the land and sea so that people and nature can thrive. It is our responsibility to see that England's rich natural environment can adapt and survive intact for future generations to enjoy. For further information please visit Welcome to GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus; GCN) are fully protected under European and domestic legislation and the Habitats Directive places an obligation on the United Kingdom (UK) to achieve their Favourable Conservation Status (FCS, as defined by Article 2 of the Habitats Directive).

Natural England are looking to appoint a Contracting Laboratory (the Contractor) for the supply and distribution of eDNA kits to Habitat Delivery Bodies (HBDs) completing surveys across England, and for the provision of laboratory analysis of returned samples and associated reporting to Natural England (the Authority) that will deliver the data to be used to monitor the success of habitat creation associated with District Licensing strategies for GCN. The monitoring will enable review and where necessary adjustment to ensure that schemes are contributing towards the FCS of the species. In addition, this Contract is looking to gather more evidence to contribute to a further update of the WC1067 protocol (Appendix A). This shall be carried out across Natural England led District Level Licensing scheme areas in England.