Planning

CPG/13364/2026 - Security Guarding Services for the British Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-000864

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-060080

Published 6 January 2026, 10:05pm



Scope

Description

BRITISH EMBASSY COMPOUND - HMA'S RESIDENCE STATIC SECURITY GUARD

Post is required to have 24/7 static guarding. We require:

• One (1) Static Security Officer (to cover two shifts for 12 hours from 07:00 am to 19:00 pm and 19:00 pm to 07:00 am.

PRINCIPAL TASKS

• Day-to-day guarding manning the control room.

• Security checks of all visitors and contractors entering the Residence and compound.

• Frequent daily internal and perimetral area searches.

BRITISH EMBASSY OFFICE STATIC GUARDING

We require:

• One (1) fully trained Security guard at the British Embassy Offices to work Monday to Thursday 08:00 am hours to 18:00 pm hours and Fridays 8:00 am hours to 14:30 pm hours excluding approved holidays.

Total value (estimated)

  • £1,641,824.89 excluding VAT
  • £1,641,824.89 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2029
  • Possible extension to 30 April 2031
  • 5 years

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 79710000 - Security services

Contract locations

  • AR - Argentina

Engagement

Engagement deadline

14 November 2025

The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.

Engagement process description

Post conducted Preliminary Market Engagement both online and through informal conversations with other Embassies in the region to identify capable suppliers. As part of this early engagement four suppliers were contacted directly, of which three expressed positive

interest in participating in the upcoming tender.

The following is a list is of known suppliers, the incumbent supplier was included in the initial market engagement, and it is estimated that three of these suppliers will bid for the contract.

One of the four suppliers contacted indicated they were not interested in tendering, citing limited operational capacity to bid at this stage.

Calls were made on 30 June 2025 with positive responses from contacts. A follow up email shall be made to formalize request for information for possible suppliers.

The three pre-identified suppliers on the shortlist reputable providers demonstrated robust experience in static guarding services for guarding for international clients which with a stablished local presence, and proven compliance with industry standards and certifications.

These providers have operational reliability, professionalism, and the

capability to meet the security requirements of the Embassy.

The first approach to suppliers was a market check, mainly to understand their capacity and level of interest. We ensure that possible suppliers have equal visibility and the chance to express interest through the pre-market engagement. Also, this stage gave us an initial view of the market, while the notice will provide a fair and compliant way to confirm participation before launching the tender.


Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Submission

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

9 January 2026


Procedure

Special regime

Defence and security


Contracting authority

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXRR-8771-PHVX

King Charles Street

London

SW1A 2AH

United Kingdom

Region: UKI32 - Westminster

Organisation type: Public authority - central government