Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
UK
Telephone: +44 0000000000
E-mail: christopher.penny@fcdo.gov.uk
NUTS: UK
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions
I.5) Main activity
Social protection
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Strategic Affairs Programme of Expertise
Reference number: project_14433
II.1.2) Main CPV code
80000000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) seeks to raise awareness ahead of a proposed procurement for a successor Strategic Affairs Training requirement.
See Section VI: "Complementary information" to this notice.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
750 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UK
Main site or place of performance:
See Section VI: "Complementary information" to this notice.
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
See Section VI: "Complementary information" to this notice.
II.2.14) Additional information
See Section VI: "Complementary information" to this notice.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
02/11/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
No
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
About:
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) leads the UK Government’s diplomatic, development and consular work worldwide. It work to protect and promote UK interests, support British nationals overseas, tackle global challenges and strengthen international partnerships.
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office.
Strategic Affairs Training:
The Authority intends to procure a successor Strategic Affairs Training contract to provide international security and strategic affairs training for UK civil servants, military officials and selected representatives from allied NATO countries. The requirement will support capability development in great power competition, grand strategy, deterrence, escalation management, strategic stability, arms control and non-proliferation.
The anticipated contract will cover the design, development and delivery of a bespoke syllabus, including lectures, seminars, interactive exercises, roleplays, simulations, case studies, preparation materials and participant assessments. The course is expected to be delivered in person over two weeks for approximately 40 participants per cohort, with a pilot course in early 2027 followed by repeated course delivery over the contract term. Some delivery may take place overseas with allies, including potential locations in Berlin, Paris and Brussels.
Indicative contract value is £750,000 excluding VAT, with an anticipated duration of 36 months. The final procurement documents will confirm the full requirements, evaluation approach, timetable, contract terms and any options for extension.
Procurement Route:
Should this project proceed to procurement it is proposed to tender through the Government Commercial Agency's RM6219 Learning and Training Services Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS): www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6219. Suppliers will need to be pre-registered to it and be identifiable against the following DPS filters in order to be invited to the tender exercise:
Service:
Bespoke training.
Niche / Specialist.
FCDO is not responsible for supplier registration. Suppliers will need to contact the Government Commercial Agency and follow its guidance.
Next Steps:
The Authority is developing its requirements specification with view to commencing procurement activities towards November 2026. The authority plans to undertake an online market engagement event to further present its requirements however this may only be open to those suppliers already registered to the the DPS against the above specified filters.
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
20/08/2026