Digital and technology spend control information for FCDO suppliers and partners
Updated 18 February 2025
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Introduction
This guidance explains to our current and prospective suppliers and partners how the UK Government Digital and Technology spend control is applied within the context of FCDO’s international development programming. It will help you to understand digital and technology spend control requirements, thresholds and exemptions, the Assurance process that FCDO Programme Managers must complete and how you may be involved.
Why digital and technology spend control is needed
Digital is driving real transformation. It is making a difference to millions of people through new partnerships, better technology, creative design, smarter research and transformative solutions that engage and support beneficiaries. However, there is a risk that without controls, digital spend proposed may be disproportionate, replicate something already in place, may not meet needs or may be misaligned with the UK government strategy and standards.
The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) within the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for digital and technology spend control and assurance of central government spending to achieve greater efficiency, value for money and successful outcomes.
Like all UK government departments, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is required to assure, approve and report on digital and technology spend that exceeds CDDO thresholds.
Partners and suppliers involved in the delivery of digital, data or technology elements within international development programming that is in scope of the spend control, will be required to support FCDO to demonstrate compliance with spend control requirements during the assurance process.
Digital and technology spend control thresholds
Where a programme or project has a digital, data or technology spend element that exceeds the thresholds below, the digital spend must be assessed and assured against spend control requirements, unless subject to an exemption.
| Category | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Spend on a public facing service* | £100,000 |
| Spend on all other digital, data and technology products and services | £1,000,000 |
*A ‘public facing service’ is one where a member of the public interacts with the service via a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
Exemptions
Digital, data or technology spend elements that are delivered within projects that use the following funding arrangements are out of scope of this spend control:
- Pooled funding arrangement, core and non-core funding to multilateral organisations
- Accountable grant, MOU or contribution arrangements
UK government digital and technology standards
The Technology Code of Practice contains UK Government good practice for the design and development of digital and technology solutions and includes the Service Standard. Demonstrating alignment with good practice forms part of the spend control requirements. Good practice is designed to support the achievement of successful outcomes, so aligning with standards will be beneficial whether the digital and technology spend is in scope for spend control assurance or not. Understanding good practice will enable you to consider and demonstrate alignment with standards in your proposals and delivery plans.
Supplier involvement in the digital and technology spend control assurance process
As supplier, you should:
- briefly set out in any relevant proposals for new digital or technology work, how you have considered applicable sections of the Technology Code of Practice, while maintaining value for money and designing services that meet user needs
- be prepared to assist FCDO Programme Managers when requested during the Assurance process by providing any technical or delivery information required. For example, this could be:
- an overview of the solution design, technologies, applications or software proposed for use
- how you have ensured the proposed solution will meet user needs
- a breakdown of digital and technology costs involved
- information about digital and technology delivery plans and approach
- who will own the digital output at the end of programme, including intellectual property
- be prepared to demonstrate adherence with relevant sections of the Technology Code of Practice and incorporate Assurance Team feedback into plans
- be aware of constraints around websites and make it clear if you think you will need a domain/website for the digital element of a programme
- be prepared to join a meeting with the Spend Control Assurance Team if required
Examples of digital, data or technology elements within programmes (not exhaustive)
- costs relating to user research, design, build of your digital, data or technology solution
- hosting, licences, maintenance and support of your digital, data or technology solution
- websites and knowledge hubs, for example knowledge portals to share programme research
- transactional services (including online application interfaces for services such as grants)
- open data platforms, collection tools, monitoring, analytics
- mapping tools (mapping, geocoding) for example satellite mapping to identify the spread of deforestation or disease
- mobile delivery systems (SMS, mobile money, cash transfers) for example text messaging to enable mobile cash transfers
- mobile applications
- online databases and management information systems
- e-learning tools or resources
- databases of beneficiaries and their feedback
Social media activities are not included as we would expect them to be free.
Website guidance for suppliers and partners
UK Government rules mean website content should be placed on GOV.UK or existing web provisions wherever possible, unless there’s a good reason not to. Websites for development programmes overseas are permissible in certain cases if a clear user need and value for money is demonstrated, but they require internal FCDO approval that a site is required before any work starts. If you think you will need a separate domain/website for the digital element of a programme, you should highlight this.
Supplier and partner guidance on the principles for digital development
The FCDO formally endorse the Principles for Digital Development – a globally agreed set of guidelines on the design of digital aspects of development programmes, supported by organisations including USAID, UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, Gates, SIDA and the World Bank. Suppliers and partners proposing or planning digital spend as part of development programmes must be aware of, and able to explain, how they will follow these.