To maintain the high standards of Australian Food products, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources runs the National Residue Survey (NRS) Program. The NRS is a vital part of the Australian system for managing the risk of chemical residues and environmental contaminants. This facilitates access to key export markets and confirms Australia’s status as a producer of clean food. To assist in the delivery of this service, the Department is seeking to establish a panel of laboratories that can provide on demand Chemical Analytical Testing under a Deed of Standing Offer.
The main point of note in responding to this Request For Tender (RFT) is that all tenderers are required to participate in NRS Proficiency Testing. This testing is to be conducted from August – October 2018, and tenderers must achieve a minimum level of performance in accordance with the Proficiency tests Handbook. This is a mandatory requirement which has also been allocated a 40% weighting in the evaluation criteria. Tenderers are required to register for these Proficiency Tests by 5pm (local time in the ACT) on or before the following date(s):
(a) for Major Programs (as specified in the Proficiency Tests Handbook or otherwise by the Department): 20th August 2018; and
(b) for Specialist Programs (as specified in the Proficiency Tests Handbook or otherwise by the Department): 2nd August 2018.
This panel will run for a three year term commencing July 2019 with the possibility for extension to 2024. To allow for proficiency testing to be conducted, the RFT will remain open until the 7 Nov 18.
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