Land Facility Decision Support Unit

The purpose of the DSU is to support balanced and evidence-based decision-making by FCDO and the suppliers of the LF in the context of complexity and uncertainty and a changing operational context. It will support the flexible and adaptive implementation of the LF in focus countries by providing FCDO and suppliers with independent advice and a challenge function, drawing on process evaluations, local insights and ongoing research by others. The DSU will run for the duration of the LF programme, initially for 7 years broadly covering the same countries in which the LF is operational. Specific objectives of the DSU are: 1. to support evidence-based, outcome-oriented and VfM-driven decision-making by FCDO and the LF Lead Supplier throughout the inception phase and implementation; 2. to support and enhance effective programme learning and programmatic action in response to that learning; 3. to support and undertake targeted global dissemination based on a joint communications strategy. The supplier contract will be up to 7 years, subject to break clauses and resource availability. The total initial budget and contract value for the services to be delivered under this contract is up to £4.5m. i. A further £1.5m may become available during the initial contract period, subject to further approvals; ii. An additional £2m scale up and/or 3 years extension option will also be available - subject to a business case addendum should the programme have a strong impact and potential to yield better results.