SECE - Science for Emergencies Centre of Expertise - Early Market Engagement

Description

This EME is to introduce the aims of the project to the market, to understand market capacity and capability, and potential delivery models, to inform the business case (still to be approved) and potential future routes to market.

Additional information: 
This is a prior information notice (PIN) only for an early market engagement (EME) on FCDO's  Science for Emergencies Centre of Expertise programme. This PIN is not a call for competition or tender at this time; it is an information notice to highlight to the market the intent to hold a virtual EME event on Thursday 13th June 2024 at 1400 UK time.

The Science for Emergencies Centre of Expertise (SECE) is a proposed new programme aiming to strengthen the FCDO's access to evidence and expertise during emergencies. This will improve the FCDO's, and its partners', ability to prepare for and respond to such emergencies. SECE's activity will help reduce suffering for those affected by emergencies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the impacts of emergencies tend to be greater. SECE will use a hub-and-spoke model (drawing on in-house expertise, cross-government capabilities, pre-existing FCDO programmes, and a multidisciplinary science hub funded by the SECE programme) to deliver the highest quality evidence, analysis and expertise possible during an emergency or crisis. 

This early market engagement (EME) is about the multidisciplinary science hub, a proposed £10 million investment over 3.5 years. The multidisciplinary science hub will be expected to provide: rapid evidence synthesis, rapid science advice, and new early warning and science advice product development (using product sandpits). It will be expected to work across any risks/hazards (including, but not limited to, natural hazards, conflicts and health emergencies) and synthesise research/evidence from a wide range of disciplines (including, but not limited, to social and behavioural sciences, environmental sciences, and physical sciences). It is envisaged that it will do this by bringing together a range of organisations (including academic institutions and not-for-profits), managed by a single point of contact who will receive commissions directly from the in-house team in the FCDO. This EME is intended to scope the market in this area, build relationships between partners interested in working together and encourage the exchange of ideas ahead of any call going live.