Procurement at FCDO

Details of our purchasing arrangements and information for those looking to become a supply partner.

Commercial strategy

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) buys a wide range of goods, services and works. These range from construction and maintenance of embassies to technical assistance and goods across a range of sectors.

The FCDO Commercial Directorate’s vision is to provide commercial expertise which:

  • delivers timely goods and services
  • maximises value for money and impact
  • is fully aligned to FCDO and UK government priorities
  • drives commercial reform across FCDO and the UK government

We tender contracts in accordance with UK procurement legislation, which ensures open and fair competition between bidders. This means our contracts are competitively tendered following a set of standard processes.

The commercial function is measured against the Government Commercial Operating Standards which assesses all government departments against a common set of standards and indicators.

How to become a supply partner

Supply partner portal

FCDO Commercial uses an eSourcing provider, Jaggaer, for all procurement activity. Suppliers can register to use the FCDO eSourcing portal.

Read the full user guidance for the portal: Jaggaer Supplier Guide (PDF, 2.46 MB, 21 pages). Our Information for suppliers: frequently asked questions (PDF, 128 KB, 2 pages) includes information on access using 2-factor authentication.

Funding awards and opportunities

To reduce duplication, we work with other UK government departments where appropriate, for example Department for Business and Trade (DBT) through its Aid Funded Business service. DBT also list opportunities every month in more than 40 sectors worldwide. Register for updates for export opportunities.

Frameworks

Framework agreement Start date Expiry date Number of suppliers Comments
Conflict, Stability & Security Fund (CSSF) 18 September 2023 17 September 2025 3 lots, up to 103 suppliers on each lot Framework available to other government departments
Global Development Delivery Framework (GDD) 18 December 2023 17 December 2025 14 lots, up to 15 suppliers on each lot Framework available to other government departments
Expert Advisory Call Down Service (EACDS2) 1 March 2023 28 February 2025 4 lots, with 1 lead supplier on each lot Framework available to other government departments
Global Evaluation Monitoring Framework Agreement (GEMFA) 1 February 2023 31 January 2026 4 lots, up to 10 suppliers on each lot Framework available to other government departments

Global Development Delivery Framework (GDD) 

This framework enables the FCDO and other government departments to commission multi-disciplinary teams of professionals to design, manage and deliver international development programme services. It includes teams in fragile and conflict-affected states. 

Expert Advisory Call Down Service (EACDS2) 

This framework enables the FCDO and other government departments to commission technical expertise. This may include programme design and development, business case development, independent advice/inputs into new and innovative thinking and products. It also includes rapid provision of technical teams to deliver specific requirements where there is a time-sensitive need. 

Global Evaluation Monitoring Framework Agreement (GEMFA) 

This framework enables the FCDO and other government departments to commission expert services for designing and implementing monitoring and/or monitoring evaluation and learning (MEL) of programmes.

International Construction Services (DPS)

To meet the FCDO’s commitment to apply safe standards to all properties and works undertaken, there is a requirement for suitably qualified general building contractors to carry out various works and services in residential, office and compound properties and where required new build projects for the FCDO, or non UK government, overseas estates.

This DPS allows you to register with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to provide construction works and associated services that could be located anywhere in the world with exception of the United Kingdom.

To join this DPS, or access more information you must register on Jaeggar.

Once registered, you can find the procurement documents using the search facility and inputting the project number 4794 which will take you to project_4794 - International Construction Services DPS: Ongoing Application.

A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a marketplace that can change over defined period. New suppliers can join the DPS at any point if they meet the minimum requirements. This DPS covers global facilities management services and typically includes large multinational suppliers that have a global reach.  

The DPS was launched in August 2020 for 10 years and is expected to end in August 2030. However, in line with the new Public Procurement Regulations, the DPS may need to end sooner.     

What this DPS includes  

Through the DPS, you can buy a range of services including:

  • management services like a helpdesk or financial administration, estate management, property
  • workplace services like valuations and acquisitions
  • facilities management services like building and ground maintenance, catering and cleaning services

You can choose to have some, or all, of the services, but this is specified on a case-by-case basis.  

Requirements for joining the DPS 

To join the DPS marketplace as a supplier, you must meet our minimum standards. These include:  

  • having a turnover of £1.23 billion
  • having an operational presence in 13 countries
  • having minimum insurance levels in place
  • complying with FCDO’s Equality and Diversity Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct and the Modern Slavery Act
  • passing an economic and financial standing assessment

How to join the DPS 

  1. Register on Jaggaer which is Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office e-Sourcing Portal (bravosolution.co.uk)
  2. Read and understand the requirements set out in the Global FM Bid Pack
  3. Complete both the electronic Selection Questionnaire and DPS questionnaire

If you meet all the criteria and have provided evidence of your insurances and certifications, you’ll be asked to sign the ‘DPS Agreement’. Once signed, you’ll be added to the DPS and can bid for work.

How we pay supply partners

All central government departments are required to pay invoices in line with the central government prompt payment policy.

Supply partners must send invoices, showing a valid purchase order number, in line with the terms and conditions in their contract or purchase order. All invoices must contain a valid purchase order number. 

For development programme contracts, email invoices to e-invoicing@fcdo.gov.uk and enquiries to finopssupplierquery@fcdo.gov.uk.

For operating spend contracts, email PDF invoices to UKPCInvoices@fcdo.gov.uk and enquiries to: UKPCDirect@fcdo.gov.uk.

The FCDO expects all subcontractors to be paid promptly. Procurement Policy Note 08/21 sets out how payment approaches can be taken into account during the procurement process for major government contracts.

Supply partner compliance

FCDO terms and conditions of contract

Before tendering for a FCDO contract, tendering organisations should ensure that they are able to fully comply with FCDO’s terms and conditions, which are available on our supplier portal.

If you cannot comply with any of the terms, you should raise a clarification question during the tender process. Failure to accept our terms during the tender may invalidate your bid.

FCDO terms and conditions of contract may vary for a specific tender, you must refer to the terms and conditions issued with invitation to tender documents.

For development programmes, view the FCDO service contracts: standard terms and conditions.

Supply partner compliance for FCDO development programme contracts

Supply partners should refer to our Supply Partner handbook (PDF, 627 KB, 30 pages) and Supply Partner compliance guidance (PDF, 889 KB, 19 pages). These aim to guide all development programme supply partners through the steps required to respond efficiently and consistently to the supply partner code of conduct and to upload the required documentation.

Supply partners may also find it helpful to refer to our frequently asked questions (PDF, 453 KB, 33 pages) document. This sets out common code compliance queries and responses from the Supply Chain Ethics and Governance Team.

If you have any further questions on our Supply Partner guidance or any of the supporting documentation, please contact ethicsandgovernance@fcdo.gov.uk.

Supporting government policy

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

We use the European Union definition of an SME.

We support the government’s commitment to obtain value for money and support SMEs through procurement and commit to paying them on time:

  • regularly reviewing our procurement plans to ensure that they do not prohibit SME involvement
  • researching the market and developing appropriate market engagement strategies to encourage competition and attract a diverse range of innovative suppliers
  • tracking the amount of expenditure awarded to SMEs
  • advertising our contracts and requiring FCDO prime contractors to advertise their sub-contract opportunities in ContractsFinder
  • paying 90% of undisputed invoices within 5 days

You can find out more in Doing business with government: a guide for SMEs. For further information SMEs can contact our SME Engagement team at SMEengagement@FCDO.gov.uk.

SME Action plan

Our FCDO small to medium sized enterprise (SME) action plan sets out our commitment to working with small businesses and continuously improving the opportunities available to SMEs. We want to lead within government and ensure best practice in our work with SMEs.

In April 2023 we appointed members of an SME Advisory Forum.

Sustainability

We practise sustainable procurement to achieve value for money while minimising environmental damage and waste.

Integrity in business

UK companies that do business with integrity are better positioned to reduce risks and capitalise on commercial opportunities. This means complying with the UK Bribery Act and ensuring local partners, agents and distributors adhere to the same high standards. It also means being vigilant for modern slavery and other human rights abuses, both in operations and supply chains, in line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Companies that make integrity core to their business protect and strengthen brand reputation, enjoy greater and more sustainable commercial success over the long-term, and minimise the risk of prosecution.

Tackling bribery and corruption creates more prosperous and healthy communities and a better business environment. It also enables the UK to maintain its status as a global leader in the fight against corruption.

FCDO staff engaged in procurement have a duty to act in a professional and impartial manner and to be mindful of the Bribery Act 2010. We expect our suppliers to act in accordance with the Act.

The Ministry of Justice has published extensive guidance on the Bribery Act. Transparency International has also published guidance for business on how to resist demands for bribes.

Transparency

We publish details of both contract opportunities and awards in ContractsFinder. You can also Find a Tender Service.

Transforming public procurement

The Procurement Bill, which will reform the existing Procurement Rules, received Royal Assent in October 2023. In early 2024 secondary legislation (regulations) will be laid to bring some elements of the Bill and the wider regime into effect.

Find out more:

Contact us

SMEs can contact our SME Engagement team by email at SMEengagement@FCDO.gov.uk

For specific questions to the FCDO commercial team about any aspect of our procurement processes, email us at supplierengagement@FCDO.gov.uk

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