To mitigate the risk of false positive or false negative food testing results, WFP seeks to collaborate only with those Inspection Companies (I.C.s) and laboratories that are competent to perform according to the Scope of Work foreseen by a Long-term Agreement (LTA).

Each I.C. and laboratory, candidate for a LTA, is assessed (via a questionnaire and technical visit) for its capabilities.

Final choice of an I.C. and/or laboratory for the LTA with WFP is based on the technical evaluation (60%) and the financial evaluation (40%).

The LTA has a three year validity, with the possibility of extension for two more years.

Primary criteria for the technical evaluation include:

• Specialisation in food analyses
• Membership of an association / organization such as AOAC, ISO, ICC, AACC, GAFTA, FOSFA
• Ability to perform proper sampling, as specified in the LTA
• Accreditation for a Quality Management System ISO 17025 (for laboratories) or 17020 (for I.C.s)
• Facilities, equipment and maintenance
• Competence and qualification of staff
• Participation in proficiency testing / ring tests for the validation of analytical methods.