Planning

Future Academic Provision-UK2

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

12 Aug 2025 at 10:52

Planning

23 May 2025 at 11:01

PlanningUpdate

22 May 2025 at 08:21

Planning

13 Mar 2025 at 17:34

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Defence is undertaking a strategic procurement process for its Future Academic Provision (FAP) Programme, aimed at designing, developing, and delivering Professional Defence and Security Education and training services. This includes awarding degrees up to RQF level 7 and potentially level 8. The project operates primarily out of Shrivenham and London with an additional virtual presence on the Defence Learning Environment platform. The current stage is the Planning Update, with steps including a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PMEN) to gather insights from the market about key themes. Interested parties are invited to participate in an online webinar on 27 March 2025, with responses for continuing engagement due by 19 August 2025.

This procurement offers significant opportunities for businesses involved in education and training services, particularly those capable of providing high-level professional degrees. SMEs and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to participate, as the procurement process is suitable for these types of organisations. The MOD is considering using either an open procedure or a dynamic purchasing system, offering a flexible approach for potential suppliers. Engaging in this process could secure a prominent role in delivering critical education services to defence professionals, expanding networks, and driving business growth in the defence sector.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Future Academic Provision-UK2

Notice Description

Strategic Command Commercial are currently inviting responses to a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PMEN) on key themes surrounding the Future Academic Provision (FAP) requirement. FAP aims to continually design, develop, and deliver Professional Defence & Security Education (PDSE) and training services, including the ability to award degrees up to RQF level 7 and potentially 8, recognising prior accredited learning. There are two primary delivery sites (Shrivenham and London) in addition to a virtual footprint on the Defence Learning Environment (DLE). There are aspirations to deliver courses to other locations which may include overseas.

Planning Information

Dear supplier, The Authority wishes to thank you for the interest and responses received to the Future Academic Provision (FAP) Request For Information (RFI) published on 18 December 2024. The RFI notice from 18/12/24 can be found within this notice. The Authority has carefully reviewed the responses to the FAP RFI and wishes to outline its position regarding next steps for the FAP Programme. The Authority wishes to explore themes raised by suppliers in response to the RFI. Due to commercial sensitivity, the Authority will be contacting suppliers who responded to the RFI individually to clarify elements of their response in greater detail. The Authority also has several follow up questions for the entire market which it is inviting industry’s view. Please see the attached document titled ‘20250313_Future_Academic_Provision_RFI_Follow_ Up_Questions_O’ which contains instructions on how to a submit a response in addition to the specific questions asked. The aim of the updated RFI is to understand the current market position in relation to key themes as outlined in the attached document. The Authority is also hosting an online webinar with the aim to provide an update on the FAP Programme to industry. The Authority reserves the right to hold a second online webinar and will update industry as soon as possible with confirmed details if this approach is chosen. The initial webinar will take place via Microsoft Teams on the following date: Webinar 1 – 27 March 2025. 10:00am-10:45am GMT. Please register by 5pm on 24 March 2025 via https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1df615cd-fa5c-4b52-b816-62a4121c1fc2@be7760ed-5953-484b-ae95-d0a16dfa09e5 Full details of the webinar are contained within the Microsoft Teams link. Upon the conclusion of the webinar, the Authority reserves the right to engage in dialogue with industry by holding individual discussions which are optional to suppliers. The Authority is proposing that individual discussions take place virtually via Microsoft Teams or in-person at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, dependent on supplier preference. The discussion will last approximately 45 minutes and will aim to explore key themes in relation to FAP. All conversations held will be recorded to ensure that there is a clear audit trail as part of PMEN. Please register your interest in individual discussions by confirming via email to UKStratCom-Comrcl-JFD@mod.gov.uk by 5pm 24 March 2025. In this email, please provide up to three slots that your organisation can attend and the preferred format of the discussion. The Authority will acknowledge your response as soon as practically possible and confirm next steps to facilitate any potential discussion. Subject to commercial sensitivity, all information conducted as part of Preliminary Market Engagement will be shared with all suppliers as soon as practically possible. The Authority reserves the right and has no obligation to continue with the requirement following Preliminary Market Engagement, and if potential suppliers choose to act on any information they receive from during PME, it is entirely at their own risk

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04ed09
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047960-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£117,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Jan 2027 - 31 Aug 2035 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
ukstratcom-comrcl-jfd@mod.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SHRIVENHAM
Postcode
SN6 8LA
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC
Delivery Location
TLI London, TLJ South East (England)

Local Authority
Vale of White Horse
Electoral Ward
Watchfield & Shrivenham
Westminster Constituency
Witney

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-04ed09-2025-08-12T11:52:23+01:00",
    "date": "2025-08-12T11:52:23+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-04ed09",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
            "name": "Ministry of Defence",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PHVX-4316-ZVGZ"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Faringdon Road, Greenhill House, Room 13",
                "locality": "Shrivenham",
                "postalCode": "SN6 8LA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ14"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "UKStratCom-Comrcl-JFD@mod.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PHVX-4316-ZVGZ",
        "name": "Ministry of Defence"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "Dear supplier, The Authority wishes to thank you for the interest and responses received to the Future Academic Provision (FAP) Request For Information (RFI) published on 18 December 2024. The RFI notice from 18/12/24 can be found within this notice. The Authority has carefully reviewed the responses to the FAP RFI and wishes to outline its position regarding next steps for the FAP Programme. The Authority wishes to explore themes raised by suppliers in response to the RFI. Due to commercial sensitivity, the Authority will be contacting suppliers who responded to the RFI individually to clarify elements of their response in greater detail. The Authority also has several follow up questions for the entire market which it is inviting industry's view. Please see the attached document titled '20250313_Future_Academic_Provision_RFI_Follow_ Up_Questions_O' which contains instructions on how to a submit a response in addition to the specific questions asked. The aim of the updated RFI is to understand the current market position in relation to key themes as outlined in the attached document. The Authority is also hosting an online webinar with the aim to provide an update on the FAP Programme to industry. The Authority reserves the right to hold a second online webinar and will update industry as soon as possible with confirmed details if this approach is chosen. The initial webinar will take place via Microsoft Teams on the following date: Webinar 1 - 27 March 2025. 10:00am-10:45am GMT. Please register by 5pm on 24 March 2025 via https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1df615cd-fa5c-4b52-b816-62a4121c1fc2@be7760ed-5953-484b-ae95-d0a16dfa09e5 Full details of the webinar are contained within the Microsoft Teams link. Upon the conclusion of the webinar, the Authority reserves the right to engage in dialogue with industry by holding individual discussions which are optional to suppliers. The Authority is proposing that individual discussions take place virtually via Microsoft Teams or in-person at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, dependent on supplier preference. The discussion will last approximately 45 minutes and will aim to explore key themes in relation to FAP. All conversations held will be recorded to ensure that there is a clear audit trail as part of PMEN. Please register your interest in individual discussions by confirming via email to UKStratCom-Comrcl-JFD@mod.gov.uk by 5pm 24 March 2025. In this email, please provide up to three slots that your organisation can attend and the preferred format of the discussion. The Authority will acknowledge your response as soon as practically possible and confirm next steps to facilitate any potential discussion. Subject to commercial sensitivity, all information conducted as part of Preliminary Market Engagement will be shared with all suppliers as soon as practically possible. The Authority reserves the right and has no obligation to continue with the requirement following Preliminary Market Engagement, and if potential suppliers choose to act on any information they receive from during PME, it is entirely at their own risk",
                "dueDate": "2025-08-19T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "009329-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009329-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-03-13T17:34:49Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "024455-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024455-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-05-22T09:21:34+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "026093-2025",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK1",
                "description": "Pipeline notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/026093-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-05-23T12:01:51+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "047960-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047960-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-08-12T11:52:23+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "Future Academic Provision Programme",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Future Academic Provision-UK2",
        "description": "Strategic Command Commercial are currently inviting responses to a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PMEN) on key themes surrounding the Future Academic Provision (FAP) requirement. FAP aims to continually design, develop, and deliver Professional Defence & Security Education (PDSE) and training services, including the ability to award degrees up to RQF level 7 and potentially 8, recognising prior accredited learning. There are two primary delivery sites (Shrivenham and London) in addition to a virtual footprint on the Defence Learning Environment (DLE). There are aspirations to deliver courses to other locations which may include overseas.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "80000000",
                        "description": "Education and training services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKI",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 140400000,
            "amount": 117000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-01-05T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2035-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "status": "planned"
            }
        ],
        "status": "planned",
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "024455-2025",
                "description": "22/05/2025 UPDATE The Authority wishes to update the market on the Preliminary Market Engagement that has taken place in accordance with this notice. The Authority held individual discussions with five suppliers who registered an interest, between 6-7 May 2025. The conversations lasted approximately one hour each and explored three areas: 1. Training and Education Sector. 2. Procurement Approach. 3. Innovation, Private Business and Libraries. The Authority is continuing with its requirements capture and subject to approvals anticipates launching a formal procurement in late 2025/early 2026. These dates however are indicative and subject to change. The Authority wishes to thank the market for the positive engagement to date."
            },
            {
                "id": "047960-2025",
                "description": "UPDATE 12 AUGUST 2025 The Authority wishes to provide the following update to the market: Further to its previous update in May 2025, the Authority has continued to work on its requirements capture and procurement approach. The purpose of this RFI is to gain the market's view on the following proposed procurement approach. The Authority is currently considering two separate procurements and is keen for the market's view to inform the benefits, risks, issues and dependencies. The two separate procurements indicatively are: 1. Command and Staff Academic Provision. 2. Technical Academic Provision. The Authority is currently considering utilising either the Open Procedure under Procurement Act 2023 Regulations or the Crown Commercial Services Learning and Training Dynamic Purchasing System (RM6219) as its route to market. The Authority is keen to understand the market view on how two separate procurements may impact market capability and appetite. To be clear, the Authority has not made a final decision on its procurement approach. This will take place upon further market feedback as well as the solution that best meets the Authority's requirements. The Authority welcomes the market's view on the above update and specific responses to the questions posed in the RFI. The RFI can be accessed via the following link https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=59241 If there are issues accessing the RFI via the above link, please contact UKStratCom-Comrcl-JFD@mod.gov.uk. The RFI response deadline is 5pm on 19 August 2025."
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-01-30T23:59:59+00:00"
        }
    },
    "language": "en"
}