Teagasc is currently inviting tenders for a new "fully integrated soil sampling and analysis service".

The authority said it plans to move away from its current model of separately procured soil sampling and laboratory analysis services to an integrated service delivery model.

The system provided by the successful tenderer will be accessible through a digital platform which links up with Teagasc systems.

Soil sampling

According to the tender documents, Teagasc advisors will initiate sampling requests through an online system by identifying the client, specifying sampling locations and indicating timing requirements.

"These requests will be transmitted to the tenderer, who will manage the end-to-end service including scheduling, sample collection, registration, analysis, and reporting," the documents said.

Teagasc said the tenderer shall ensure that all associated data, including sampling and laboratory results, are securely transmitted and integrated into Teagasc systems.

The results will be made available for advisor use in nutrient management planning.

"In this model, Teagasc will not directly procure, invoice, or collect payment for sampling or analysis services; instead, farmers or clients will engage directly with the tenderer as the recommended provider for these services when sought by Teagasc farmer clients," the documents add.

Teagasc

Teagasc said all soil samples collected must be representative of the relevant field or sampling area and suitable for laboratory analysis.

"Accurate soil sampling is a critical component of the soil testing service.

"The quality and representativeness of samples directly influence the accuracy of laboratory results and the reliability of nutrient management recommendations," the authority said.

Analysis must be carried out by a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) approved soil testing lab.

The tender states that the service shall support two service delivery models:

Full service sampling: Where the tenderer is responsible for arranging and undertaking the collection of soil samples from the farm and delivering these for laboratory analysis;
Assisted/self-sampling: Where soil samples are collected by the farmer or client, and the tenderer is responsible for arranging collection, transport, registration, laboratory analysis, and reporting of those samples.

Teagasc said that soil samples must be collected using "recognised and standardised procedures" and personnel should be "appropriately trained, competent and supervised".

"The tenderer must demonstrate sufficient personnel and operational capacity to deliver the soil sampling service to all areas in the Republic of Ireland for the full duration of the contract," the authority said.

The documents do not provide an estimated cost for the seven-year contract.

The closing date for the submission of tenders is 2:00p.m on July 9, 2026.