Future Academic Provision-UK2

Location

United Kingdom:

Description

Strategic Command Commercial are currently inviting responses to a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (PMEN) on key themes surrounding the Future Academic Provision (FAP) requirement. FAP aims to continually design, develop, and deliver Professional Defence & Security Education (PDSE) and training services, including the ability to award degrees up to RQF level 7 and potentially 8, recognising prior accredited learning. There are two primary delivery sites (Shrivenham and London) in addition to a virtual footprint on the Defence Learning Environment (DLE). There are aspirations to deliver courses to other locations which may include overseas.

CPV Codes

• 80000000 - Education and training services

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** UPDATE 18TH JUNE 2026 The Defence Academy has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Future Academic Programme (FAP), informed by the direction set out in SDR 25 and following feedback received from market engagement activities. As a result of this review, the Defence Academy has determined that progressing to a tendering phase at this time is not viable. This decision has been made with careful consideration, including an appreciation of the time and effort that potential suppliers have already invested in the early market engagement. Engagement to date has indicated that the current scope and approach risked seeking a level of provision below what is routinely delivered within the wider Education sector. To ensure that the Defence Academy continues to meet Defence’s evolving training and education needs, we are revisiting both the programme requirements and the associated procurement strategy. While this work is undertaken, interim measures will be put in place to ensure continuity of service. Further engagement with the market will continue at a later date in order to refine our requirements and better understand available solutions and sector perspectives. Suppliers are encouraged to monitor platforms such as Find a Tender and Contracts Finder for updates on future opportunities and further market engagement activities related to the Future Academic Programme. UPDATE 12 AUGUST 2025 The Authority wishes to provide the following update to the market: Further to its previous update in May 2025, the Authority has continued to work on its requirements capture and procurement approach. The purpose of this RFI is to gain the market’s view on the following proposed procurement approach. The Authority is currently considering two separate procurements and is keen for the market’s view to inform the benefits, risks, issues and dependencies. The two separate procurements indicatively are: 1. Command and Staff Academic Provision. 2. Technical Academic Provision. The Authority is currently considering utilising either the Open Procedure under Procurement Act 2023 Regulations or the Crown Commercial Services Learning and Training Dynamic Purchasing System (RM6219) as its route to market. The Authority is keen to understand the market view on how two separate procurements may impact market capability and appetite. To be clear, the Authority has not made a final decision on its procurement approach. This will take place upon further market feedback as well as the solution that best meets the Authority’s requirements. The Authority welcomes the market’s view on the above update and specific responses to the questions posed in the RFI. The RFI can be accessed via the following link https://contracts.mod.uk/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=59241 If there are issues accessing the RFI via the above link, please contact UKStratCom-Comrcl-JFD@mod.gov.uk. The RFI response deadline is 5pm on 19 August 2025.