---
title: "THE PROVISION OF UK BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING & EXAMINATIONS"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-02a559"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-02a559"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-02a559.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-02a559.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "FOREIGN COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE"
published: "2022-05-09"
---

# THE PROVISION OF UK BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING & EXAMINATIONS

Buyer: FOREIGN COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-02a559

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## Summary

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is in the process of awarding contracts for the Provision of UK Based Language Training and Examinations. This procurement, classified under the industry category of "Provision of language courses," includes five individual lots aimed at enhancing the foreign language capabilities of government officers. The primary location for contract execution is the FCDO's office at King Charles Street, London. The tender method used for this procurement is an open procedure, and the deadline for submission was on 28 May 2021. Awards for the individual lots began on 1 June 2021, and the contract period for successful bidders runs until 31 March 2025, with possibilities for extension.

This tender creates substantial opportunities for businesses involved in language training, particularly those offering tailored courses for government personnel, including Centres of Excellence for various languages and online examination providers. Companies that possess expertise in delivering comprehensive language training programmes, as well as proficient assessment tools aligned with the Common European Framework for Languages, would be well-suited to compete for these valuable contracts. Additionally, universities and training centres with established capabilities in language instruction may find this an ideal opportunity to engage with public sector clients.

## Notice

Language training and examination services play a critical role in ensuring that officers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and across Her Majesty's Government (HMG) have the appropriate level of foreign language skills. This is to enable them to operate confidently and effectively to help fulfil HMG's objectives and project and enhance the UK's global influence overseas. Officers use their language skills in a variety of contexts such as engaging with politicians, dealing with local authorities and officials, speaking to businesses, talking to students, negotiation, giving speeches and media interviews, engaging on social media, reading newspapers and understanding broadcasts. We expect this opportunity will be of interest to providers of language training, including universities, in a large number of languages, Centres of Excellence that specialise in one or several languages, and providers of online testing or examinations services including but not limited to those with existing capability in online language proficiency testing.

### Lot Information

PRIME PROVIDER - UK BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING

The current language training and examination services contracts for Her Majesty's Government (HMG) end on 31 March 2022. We (the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, hereafter referred to as 'the Authority') are offering 5 lots to suppliers to replace these contracts. Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for language training services and Lot 5 is for examinations services. UK GOVERNMENT (HMG) PROVISION OF UK-BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING SERVICES - LOT 1 - MAIN PROVIDER Aim 1. To identify and contract a 'Main Provider' to deliver a managed, professional language school including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 3 types of language assessments, including 2 mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Provide central management of the Language Centre at the Authority's King Charles Street building. * Deliver administration services. 2. The appointed Main Provider will have full responsibility for delivering the requirements described within this Specification. The Main Provider will be expected to support HMG's objective of delivering excellence in language training within a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and value for money. Further information is available via tender documents.

Renewal: 3 x 12 month optional extension years are available in addition to the initial contract period

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR FRENCH

The current language training and examination services contracts for Her Majesty's Government (HMG) end on 31 March 2022. We (the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, hereafter referred to as 'the Authority') are offering 5 lots to suppliers to replace these contracts. Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for language training services and Lot 5 is for examinations services. UK GOVERNMENT (HMG) PROVISION OF UK-BASED FRENCH LANGUAGE TRAINING SERVICES - LOT 2 - CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR FRENCH Aim 1. To identify and contract a 'Centre of Excellence for French' to deliver a managed, professional language training service including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based French language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 2 types of French language assessments, both mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver administration services. 2. The appointed Centre of Excellence for French will have full responsibility for delivering the requirements described within this Specification. The Centre of Excellence for French will be expected to support HMG's objective of delivering excellence in language training within a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and value for money. Further information is available via tender documents

Renewal: 3 x 12 month optional extension years are available in addition to the initial contract period

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SPANISH

The current language training and examination services contracts for Her Majesty's Government (HMG) end on 31 March 2022. We (the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, hereafter referred to as 'the Authority') are offering 5 lots to suppliers to replace these contracts. Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for language training services and Lot 5 is for examinations services. UK GOVERNMENT (HMG) PROVISION OF UK-BASED SPANISH LANGUAGE TRAINING SPECIFICATION - LOT 3 - CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SPANISH Aim To identify and contract a 'Centre of Excellence for Spanish to deliver a managed, professional language training service including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based Spanish language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 2 types of Spanish language assessments, both mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver administration services. 2. The appointed Centre of Excellence for Spanish will have full responsibility for delivering the requirements described within this Specification. The Centre of Excellence for Spanish will be expected to support HMG's objective of delivering excellence in language training within a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and value for money. Further information is available via tender document 1. To identify and contract a 'Centre of Excellence for Spanish to deliver a managed, professional language training service including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based Spanish language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 2 types of Spanish language assessments, both mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver administration services. 2. The appointed Centre of Excellence for Spanish will have full responsibility for delivering the requirements described within this Specification. The Centre of Excellence for Spanish will be expected to support HMG's objective of delivering excellence in language training within a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and value for money. Further information is available via tender document

Renewal: 3 x 12 month optional extension years are available in addition to the initial contract period

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ARABIC

1. The current language training and examination services contracts for Her Majesty's Government (HMG) end on 31 March 2022. We (the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, hereafter referred to as 'the Authority') are offering 5 lots to suppliers to replace these contracts. Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for language training services and Lot 5 is for examinations services. UK GOVERNMENT (HMG) PROVISION OF UK-BASED ARABIC LANGUAGE TRAINING SPECIFICATION - LOT 4 - CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ARABIC Aim 1. To identify and contract a 'Centre of Excellence for Arabic' to deliver a managed, professional language training service including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based Arabic language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 2 types of Arabic language assessments, both mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver administration services. 2. The appointed Centre of Excellence for Arabic will have full responsibility for delivering the requirements described within this Specification. The Centre of Excellence for Arabic will be expected to support HMG's objective of delivering excellence in language training within a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and value for money. Further information is available via tender documents

Renewal: 3 x 12 month optional extension years are available in addition to the initial contract period

EXAMINATIONS

1. The current language training and examination services contracts for Her Majesty's Government (HMG) end on 31 March 2022. We (the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, hereafter referred to as 'the Authority') are offering 5 lots to suppliers to replace these contracts. Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for language training services and Lot 5 is for examinations services. UK GOVERNMENT (HMG) PROVISION OF ONLINE LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONS SPECIFICATION - LOT 5 - EXAMINATIONS PROVIDER Aim 1. To identify and contract an 'Examinations Provider' to deliver a managed, professional examination provision including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver formal online language examinations mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR): https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver application, marking, moderation, and appeals services. * Deliver administration services, including (but not limited to): staffing; examiner selection, training, and monitoring; full service reporting and evaluation. 2. The appointed Examinations Provider will have full responsibility for delivering the requirements described within this Specification. The Examinations Provider will be expected to support HMG's objective of delivering excellence in language examinations within a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and value for money. Further information is available via tender documents

Renewal: 3 x 12 month optional extension years are available in addition to the initial contract period

UK BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING & EXAMINATIONS - LOT 1: PRIME PROVIDER

3. To identify and contract a 'Main Provider' to deliver a managed, professional language school including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 3 types of language assessments, including 2 mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages * Provide central management of the Language Centre at the Authority's King Charles Street building. * Deliver administration services.

UK based French Language Training - Centre of Excellence for French

3. To identify and contract a 'Centre of Excellence for French' to deliver a managed, professional language training service including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based French language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 2 types of French language assessments, both mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages * Deliver administration services.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SPANISH

3. To identify and contract a 'Centre of Excellence for Spanish to deliver a managed, professional language training service including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based Spanish language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 2 types of Spanish language assessments, both mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages * Deliver administration services.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ARABIC

3. To identify and contract a 'Centre of Excellence for Arabic' to deliver a managed, professional language training service including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver UK-based Arabic language training mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver 2 types of Arabic language assessments, both mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages * Deliver administration services.

EXAMINATIONS PROVIDER

3. To identify and contract an 'Examinations Provider' to deliver a managed, professional examination provision including (but not limited to) the following requirements: * Deliver formal online language examinations mapped against the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR): https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages . * Deliver application, marking, moderation, and appeals services. * Deliver administration services, including (but not limited to): staffing; examiner selection, training, and monitoring; full service reporting and evaluation.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011993-2022 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Large, SME |
| All stages | Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 9 May 2022 |
| Submission deadline | 28 May 2021 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 31 Mar 2022 |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2022 - 31 Mar 2025 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | £24,392,380 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £23,363,702 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Active, Cancelled |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | FOREIGN COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1A 2AH |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 4 |
| Supplier names | LANGAUGE SERVICES DIRECT; LANGUAGE SERVICES DIRECT; LANGUAGE SERVICES DIRET; THE LANGUAGE SHOP |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 80 - Education and training services

### Codes

- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 80580000 - Provision of language courses

## Release History

- 9 May 2022 at 13:21 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011993-2022
- 12 Apr 2021 at 21:55 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007656-2021

## Notice URLs

- http://www.gov.uk/fcdo
- http://www.languageservicesdirect.co.uk
- https://fcdo.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html
- https://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:478571-2020:TEXT:EN:HTML
- https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages

## Provenance

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