Since 2017-18, the U.K. Department for International Development has embarked on a deep transformation of its commercial practices. While reforms first aimed to improve transparency and accountability of private sector contractors, DFID also adopted new measures intended to make it easier for new partners to bid for tenders.
The department’s spending through commercial contracts has roughly doubled in recent years, reaching £1.2 billion in 2018-19, or 11% of its budget. The vast majority of these contracts are advertised through open tenders that any organization can apply for, including international and local NGOs.
Familiarizing oneself with the procurement process is a critical step to doing business with any donor. Drawing on Devex’s extensive experience in analyzing the future of U.K. aid and tracking funding opportunities, here are five essential tips to help organizations effectively prepare for and engage with DFID contracts.