Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
Contact
Andrew Sternberg
Telephone
+44 7818182582
Country
Yemen
NUTS code
YE - Yemen
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at
https://fcdo.bravosolutions.co.uk
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning for Yemen (MERLY) Programme
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 75211200 - Foreign economic-aid-related services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The FCDO needs monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) for the purpose of accountability, to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of our activities to taxpayers, partners, and other stakeholders. However the value of MERL goes beyond accountability, to embedding learning in development and diplomatic activities. MERL identifies what works, for whom and in what circumstances, as well as what does not and why. MERL supplies a robust evidence base on effectiveness and impact, for informing course correction, future policy and investment decisions. Therefore, utilising quality MERL increases the Value for Money (VfM) of programmes, policies and decisions. The FCDO is strongly committed to providing VfM.
The UK government remains dedicated to supporting peace in Yemen and has committed over £1 billion to date. The current FCDO Yemen portfolio spans humanitarian, economic, peacebuilding and CSSF programming, alongside diplomatic activities and policymaking. However, due to the risks, FCDO has not been based in country since 2015. We require improved monitoring, evaluation, research and learning to inform planning, delivery, and risk management in this complex context.
The overarching objective of the proposed Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning for Yemen (MERLY) programme is to help ensure that FCDO Yemen delivers impact at scale and to a high quality, influencing the broader international response in Yemen. It is proposed that MERLY will take a holistic, whole-of-office approach to inform, assure, and improve cohesive policy, programmatic and diplomatic decision-making, and results. The programme will be heavily engaged across the FCDO Yemen team, and the supplier will be expected to deliver a range of small, medium, and large services to meet the programme objective. It is anticipated that the majority of activities will be ODA-eligible, but a minority may be non-ODA.
The MERLY programme will succeed and expand upon the current FCDO Yemen Independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Data Analysis (IMEDA) programme 2018-2023. Further information regarding the IMEDA programme can be found on DevTracker via programme code 300680: DevTracker Project GB-GOV-1-300680 (fcdo.gov.uk)
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £15,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 75211200 - Foreign economic-aid-related services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- YE - Yemen
Main site or place of performance
Yemen
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
At this stage, the aim of the EME is to discuss the service requirement and potential routes to market. FCDO is keen to solicit the views of the market regarding the most effective means of delivering the programme’s objectives and service outputs, including the best management approach.
We would welcome the participation of both national and international organisations, across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. We would particularly welcome input from those with experience in delivering MERLY services and/or managing MERL programmes in fragile and conflict-affected states with challenging access restraints.
two.2.14) Additional information
The route to market has not yet been confirmed, but it is envisaged that the range of services and technical expertise required under the MERLY programme will necessitate a lead Supplier with a downstream consortium.
It is proposed that the Supplier agreement will run for five years from the date of signature, subject to break clauses and resource availability.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
2 January 2023
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
This EME is scheduled to take place on Thursday 18th August from 13:00 to 15:00 BST.
Please register for attendance for the EME via the guidance below.
How to register for this EME:
If you are interested in attending this Early Market Engagement event, then please register via the form at: https://bit.ly/3zyBJJz