Fera Science Limited (Fera) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Specialist Science and Contingency Services (SSCS) contract by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the Food Standards Agency and the Home Office. This contract, awarded for an initial five-year term with options to extend for up to 5 further years, allowing Fera to continue delivering high-quality scientific and strategic services to government.
Building upon a decade of support to the government under a Long-Term Services Agreement (LTSA) since 2015, this new contract ensures the continuation and expansion of critical and expert scientific work.
Under the LTSA, Fera has successfully supported Defra Group and other government departments across a broad spectrum of strategic science services, including (advancing research, enhancing data analysis, strengthening border security, protecting the natural environment, helping to ensuring food safety, public and animal health – in addition to providing critical support for significant contingent events).
The SSCS contract is designed to maintain consistency and quality while delivering value for money through structured pricing and rigorous performance measures.
Additionally, it aims to drive further excellence in service delivery, fostering innovation and scientific advancement over its term.
“We are honoured to be entrusted with this important responsibility,” said Dr Andrew Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Fera.
“This award reflects our dedication to delivering cutting-edge scientific services and strategic support, reinforcing our strong relationship with Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and our other valued customers. We look forward to building on past successes and continuing to deliver critical impact.”
Dr Swift went on to say, “The specialist scientific and strategic services delivered under this contract will have the potential to support the government’s effort to drive growth for the UK economy.
The translatable nature of innovation and scientific service being delivered under the SSCS will foster and strengthen the private sector by supporting the early adoption of technology, cutting-edge research, data-driven insights and sustainable solutions.”
Fera’s continued growth journey is supported by Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading private asset growth investors, which partnered with the company in 2023. The partnership leverages Bridgepoint’s track record in scaling testing, inspection and certification (TIC) and agri-tech businesses globally, including previous investments such as Element, Rovensa, Achilles and LGC.
