Sheep Genetic Technical Speciaist Services

Procurement reference

HCCMPW-2627-01

Procurement description

Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is required to deliver the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP) on behalf of Welsh Government. Welsh Government’s ambition and challenge is to continue to reduce greenhouse gases by improving efficiencies on farm to achieve a cumulative effect whilst maintaining the production of high quality and sustainable food. Seen as part of both short term and long-term response to the sectors role in climate change mitigation, support for genetic improvement of the Welsh sheep industry is crucial.

This project seeks to build on the previous work funded by Welsh Government to support the uptake of genetic improvement within the Welsh sheep flock. The activity will look to further develop activity that has been delivered through the Hill Ram Scheme (HRS) and the first phase of WSGP, which was undertaken as part of Farming Connect.

The proposed programme will be designed to meet the specific needs of the Welsh sheep sector in advancing genetic improvement. It will support participating businesses by assessing their current baseline performance, identifying key performance indicators relevant to their farming system and develop tailored action plans. Each plan will include clear, evidence-based recommendations to enhance genetic progress at the individual farm level, whilst collecting valuable information that could highlight the wider-sectoral benefits of the activity.

Phase 2 of the WSGP will deliver the following objectives:

• Improve economic and environmental performance of Welsh sheep farms (including methods to address decarbonisation of the red meat sector)

• Increase uptake and confidence in EBVs and genomic EBVs

• Grow a critical mass of performance-recorded and genotyped flocks in Wales

• Enable and encourage sheep farmers to make evidence-based breeding and purchasing decisions

• Support a long-term transition to farmer-led genetic improvement within the national flock in Wales

• Exploring genetic improvement as a natural and impactful way to assist lowering the carbon footprint of the sheep sector in Wales.

HCC is seeking a supplier to provide technical expertise in sheep genetics and support for the delivery of the project in relation to the activities detailed below:

The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme

The core requirement of the WSGP is to improve the understanding and uptake of EBVs and Genomic EBVs within the Welsh sheep sector.

It is envisaged that the programme will be delivered through the following stages;

Transition support for existing participants of the WSGP who wish to continue in Phase 2

Initially, the priority will be to provide a seamless transition for current participants of the WSGP into Phase 2. This will seek to maintain and maximise the data collection opportunity for the 2026 lambing season.

Approximately 60 flocks actively participated at the end of the first phase of the programme, with various degrees of experience and understanding within the field of sheep genetics.

For the final year of Phase 1 of the WSGP, 42 flocks with an average 119 lambs undertook DNA Sampling (a total of circa. 5,000 lambs for the year). 60 flocks undertook backfat scanning with an average of 228 lambs scanned. It is expected that the number of flocks participating in the programme increase in Phase 2, with the average number of lambs per farm remaining relatively stable.

Identify and recruit a suitable range of participating farms & breeds

Once it is known how many existing participants will transfer over to Phase 2 of the WSGP, there will be opportunities to expand the offer to new businesses. It Is envisaged the recruitment of participating businesses to be a mix of:

• Those experienced in genetic improvement of sheep – this is to ensure a continued level of knowledge and data which can be shared with other farming businesses who are looking at genetics

• Those who have already started on engaging with genetic improvement, but require further assistance to develop their knowledge, understanding and confidence.

• Those who are new to the process.

The level of support will be proportionate to the participating businesses experience of the subject, but the goal will be for beneficiaries having the practical knowledge and expertise to undertake the work independently.

Identify KPIs and create an Action Plan for participating businesses - working with the eligible businesses in identifying their current baseline performance, KPIs will be identified for the businesses, and an action plan created with clear recommendations for participating businesses at the end of the programme.

Provide a pathway report for options for future support in this field - using lessons learnt from Phase 1 of the WSGP and from similar schemes and programmes provided in Wales and the UK, a pathway report for potential future options for support in this field will be undertaken.

Develop additional applicable innovative projects - during the programme there will be potential to develop innovative projects linked to work within the sheep genetics sphere. This may include continuing with existing projects developed under the WSGP, or proposals for new projects or a combination of both.

HCC requires suppliers who can provide sheep genetics expertise and support for the delivery of the project in relation to the following activities.

The contract will run until 31 March 2029.

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)

1200000.00 GBP to 1200000.00GBP

Contract dates (estimated)

12 May 2026, 00:00AM to 31 March 2029, 23:59PM

Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales

Procedure type

Competitive flexible procedure

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 77110000 - Services incidental to agricultural production

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

1200000.00 GBP Excluding VAT

1440000.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Contract start date (estimated)

12 May 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 March 2029, 23:59PM

Participation

Award criteria

Payment terms

Payment Terms

In adherence to the Procurement Act 2023 payment will be made within 30-days of receipt of valid invoice, with invoices to be issued in accordance with the payment scheduled agreed before or at contract award.

For an invoice to be considered valid and acceptable for payment it must be sent electronically (i.e. via email) and must include the following information as minimum:

The name of the supplier;

A description of the goods, services and/or works supplied to Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (as applicable);

The sum requested; and

A unique invoice reference / number.

All invoices are to be submitted to purchases@hybucig.cymru

Should an invoice be considered invalid and/or the sum payable is disputed the supplier shall be notified as soon as practicable and the 30-day payment term will be considered on-hold until all queries are resolved.

Description of risks to contract performance

The ITT outlines several operational, technical, compliance and programme‑level risks that could affect successful delivery of the Sheep Genetic Technical Specialist Services contract through to March 2029.

1. Technical Delivery Risks

The contract requires advanced expertise in sheep genetics, EBVs, genomic EBVs, phenotype recording, and DNA sampling. Failure to provide staff with the required technical skills, including accredited ultrasonic backfat scanning, may lead to inaccurate data, missed deadlines and reduced quality of breeding recommendations. Loss of key personnel or insufficient staffing capacity could impede delivery of ongoing flock support, technical advice and research outputs.

2. Data Quality and Reporting Risks

The programme depends on high‑quality, timely pedigree and performance recording from ~87 existing flocks plus new entrants. Inconsistent methodologies, data gaps, or late DNA samples risk undermining EBV calculations, KPI development and Action Plans. Failure to meet reporting obligations—annual interim reports, analysis following data‑collection points, and the final pathway report—may disrupt Welsh Government oversight and reduce sector impact.

3. Flock Recruitment and Engagement Risks

Phase 2 requires smooth transition of current WSGP flocks and recruitment of new ones. Delays or weak engagement could reduce data volume, weaken representativeness and slow progress toward programme goals. Variation in farmer experience necessitates tailored guidance; poor support could lead to disengagement or inconsistent adoption of genetic improvement practices.

4. Research and Development Risks

The contract includes developing new phenotypes, EBVs and genomic tools consistent with global methodologies. Insufficient R&D capacity may limit innovation, delay scientific outputs and reduce the programme’s ability to evidence environmental benefits, including greenhouse‑gas reduction potential.

5. Policy and Environmental Impact Risks

The programme contributes to Welsh Government climate and sustainability commitments. Failure to demonstrate how genetics supports emissions reduction or sustainable farming could weaken policy justification and future funding. Misalignment with policy requirements (e.g., Well‑being of Future Generations Act) may undermine strategic outcomes.

6. Data Governance and Compliance Risks

The ITT requires strict confidentiality and compliance with data‑protection legislation. Any breach of flock‑level data, genomic data, or personal information risks reputational damage, farmer distrust and legal consequences. Failure to meet GDPR obligations (e.g., data retention, security, responding to requests) could trigger contractual penalties.

7. Operational Coordination Risks

The supplier must work closely with HCC, the WSGP delivery team and wider stakeholders. Ineffective communication or slow response times may cause errors, delays and inconsistent messaging to farmers. Failure to maintain ongoing dialogue, as required in the ITT, could undermine programme cohesion.

8. Insurance and Legal Compliance Risks

The supplier must maintain specified insurance levels and comply with health & safety, environmental and equal‑opportunities legislation. Lapses could result in immediate termination. Failure to meet audit obligations—allowing review by HCC, the Auditor General Wales or Welsh Government—may trigger remedial actions or contractual consequences.

9. External Disruption Risks

Events such as an Animal Disease Incident may suspend on‑farm activity, interrupt data collection and delay scanning or sampling. The Services Agreement allows HCC to suspend or terminate in such circumstances, creating uncertainty in long‑term delivery.

10. Financial and Resource Risks

Insufficient financial stability, staffing shortages or over‑commitment may impair service delivery, especially given multi‑year support requirements. Though rates are fixed, inefficient delivery or resource pressures could hinder the contractor’s ability to fulfil both core and ad‑hoc tasks.

Tender submission deadline

21 April 2026, 12:00PM

Enquiry deadline

14 April 2026, 17:00PM

Date of award of contract

28 April 2026, 23:59PM

Submission address and any special instructions

To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Find a Tender (FTS) or Sell2Wales Web Site. The tender will need to be submitted via the Sell2Wales post-box facility.https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Any Response to ITT which is received by HCC after 12.00 on 21 April 2026 may be excluded from this tender process. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the Response to ITT is actually received by the deadline detailed above. HCC accepts no responsibility for the shortcomings of any delivery system or for any lost, delayed or defective Response to ITT. It is up to you to ensure that your Response to ITT is prepared in good time (taking into account the possibility of staff absences or technical failures) and is submitted in advance of the deadline for receipt of the Response to ITT set out in this paragraph 6.

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

• English
• Welsh