Planning

PA23 UK2 - Preliminary market engagement notice San Jose, Costa Rica - British Embassy Office Fit-out Works

FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

29 Jan 2026 at 16:08

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

29 Jan 2026 at 10:37

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is seeking suppliers for a major office fit-out project at the British Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica. This project, currently in the planning stage, involves transforming a vacant office space in a newly constructed complex in La Sabana into an operational workspace. Important timelines include the Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire, to be completed by 9th February 2026, and a planning-status communication date set for 14th September 2026. The industry category is building construction works, with the contract expected to commence on 16th December 2026 and conclude by 15th June 2028. The procurement process is conducted under the NEC 4 contract framework, ensuring that UK standards are adhered to throughout. This opportunity is positioned under public authority - central government, with a project value of approximately £1.95 million.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses in the construction industry, particularly those specialising in office fit-out works and capable of meeting UK standards abroad. The FCDO's requirement for mechanical and electrical installations, alongside general construction tasks, opens avenues for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with relevant expertise. Businesses that can ensure their project managers have the necessary UK Security Clearance and can comply with UK construction standards will find this project particularly attractive, especially those looking to expand their operations into international markets. This engagement not only provides a substantial contract value but also the prestige of working for a central government authority, potentially leading to further opportunities in both domestic and international government contracting.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

PA23 UK2 - Preliminary market engagement notice San Jose, Costa Rica - British Embassy Office Fit-out Works

Notice Description

The British Embassy (San Jose) is to be located within a leased unit in La Sabana. The office space is currently vacant in a newly built complex and has the primary objective to be fit-out, creating a fit-for-purpose environment, whilst considering, fire and security issues. High level summary of scope of works: Fit-out of vacant floor space to a fit-for-purpose office standard, including Mechanical and electrical installations, which are fed outside of the office demise through a multi-story complex. Fit-out of a storage unit within the same building and outside of the office demise (Approx PS1.95m). The site will be vacant throughout construction and the Embassy will continue their operations from a separate location. The Contractor and any sub-contractors utilised must be able to work to relevant UK Standards. The build must be constructed to UK standards. The Contractor's Project Manager undertaking work will need to have the required Security Clearance (SC) and be approved by the FCDO at the time of starting the works. It is anticipated that the form of Contract to be used will be the NEC 4 contract. Suppliers are invited to complete the Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire, which can be found at https://forms.office.com/e/GwTMBrLfXi Please confirm interest by providing responses to the questions in the questionnaire by 17:00 GMT, 9th February 2026.

Planning Information

Suppliers are invited to complete the Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire, which can be found at https://forms.office.com/e/GwTMBrLfXi Please confirm interest by providing responses to the questions in the questionnaire by 17:00 GMT, 9th February 2026. There may be further market engagement activities such as presentations and meetings. In such case this notice will be updated.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0611aa
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008181-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45210000 - Building construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,950,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
14 Sep 20267 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
16 Dec 2026 - 15 Jun 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Contact Name
Kathy Joslin
Contact Email
katherine.joslin@fcdo.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2AH
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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. 

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