Planning

PROVISION OF SECURITY GUARDING SERVICES FOR BRITISH EMBASSY HARARE

FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

20 Apr 2026 at 09:00

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

20 Apr 2026 at 08:42

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is initiating a procurement process for Security Guarding Services at British Embassy Harare, located in Zimbabwe. The project is currently in the planning stage, with a preliminary market engagement (PME) scheduled. The PME is intended to refine the procurement process by understanding supplier capabilities and exploring operating models. The deadline for PME questionnaire submissions is set for 4 May 2026. Following this, the formal tender notice is expected by 11 May 2026. The procurement falls under the services category, specifically security services, and is above the threshold, indicating substantial scale. The contract period is projected to commence on 1 November 2026 and conclude on 31 October 2029, with an option for renewal extending until 2030.

This tender offers lucrative opportunities for businesses in the security services sector, particularly those with expertise in high-risk and diplomatic environments. Companies with a strong track record in security delivery, regulatory compliance, and a command-and-control capability will be well-suited to compete for this contract. The engagement process allows for early involvement, potentially giving participants strategic insights that could inform future bids. The capability to manage a comprehensive guarding solution, including static and mobile responses, will be advantageous. Businesses that can demonstrate transparency in their cost models and adherence to international security standards will find themselves positioned favourably in the upcoming competitive process.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

PROVISION OF SECURITY GUARDING SERVICES FOR BRITISH EMBASSY HARARE

Notice Description

The Contractor will be responsible for delivering a fully managed guarding solution, including static posts, foot patrols, mobile response, alarm monitoring, and a 24/7 command-and-control capability. Staffing levels, supervision, shift patterns and rotation arrangements must always ensure operational resilience and continuity.

Planning Information

The Authority wishes to undertake Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) in a proportionate and transparent manner to help refine the upcoming procurement for Security Guarding Services for British Embassy Harare. This notice is issued to inform the market of an upcoming procurement opportunity and to engage with potential suppliers prior to the launch of a formal tender exercise. Objectives of the PME Through this engagement, the Authority aims to: • Understand supplier capability and capacity to deliver • Explore operating models • Test approaches to staffing and workforce management. • Validate compliance and governance. • Explore commercial approaches. This engagement is conducted under PA23 s.16 to help prepare the procurement and will be managed to avoid unfair advantage or distortion of competition. Registration Instructions Register on portal → Express Interest → Download Pack → Submit questionnaire by deadline. Disclaimer This engagement is not a call for competition. Participation is optional, not evaluated, and does not affect eligibility to bid. Participation will not affect the ability of suppliers to compete in any future procurement. PME Questionnaire Pack Suppliers are requested to answer the following questions: 1. Organisation legal name, registration number, and local presence 2. Security company licensing and regulatory approvals applicable in the host country 3. Experience delivering security guarding services in high risk, diplomatic, or critical environments in Harare. 4. Proposed service delivery and supervision model 5. Vetting, training, and staff rotation approach 6. Command, control, communications, and incident management capability 7. Compliance with international security standards / codes of conduct 8. Key operational risks and market constraints 9. Cost model transparency (non binding) 10. Declaration of conflicts of interest 11. Data Protection and information security controls Responses will be used solely to inform the Authority’s procurement strategy. Contracting Authority Details Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXRR 8771 PHVX King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH United Kingdom Organisation type: Public authority – central government Contact name: [Insert name] Email: [Insert email] Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0685e0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035463-2026
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

79710000 - Security services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Apr 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
11 May 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 2029 3-4 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
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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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