Deadline Date:
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Requirement:
FMN and NDS Communications and Awareness Support
Location:
Off-Site
Not to Exceed:
€ 45,405
Period of Performance:
10 June 2025
Required Security Clearance:
NATO SECRET
Overall Project Scope:
The Chief Technology Office (CTO) of NCI Agency has a requirement for off-site support to the Federated Interoperability (FI) Branch of HQ SACT under the ACT Programme of Work (POW) for 2025, and also the NATO Digital Staff (NDS) under the NDS POW 2025.
- NCIA CTO supports the FI Branch through a Federated Mission Networking Framework Support Project. This project is divided into multiple Work Packages (WPs) and WP4 provides support for implementation of the FMN Communications and Awareness Strategy in order to deliver FMN communications and awareness.
- NCIA CTO Supports the NDS on multiple projects with focus on improving digital interoperability in the NATO Alliance. Two activities under the NDS POW 2025 require communications and awareness support. These activities relate to developing and exploitation of Reference Architectures and support for the operationalisation of the Digital Interoperability Roadmap (DIOR) for the Interoperability Profiles Capability Team (IPCaT).
Services to be provided are focused on providing support to:
- Support implementation of the NATO FMN Communication and Awareness Strategy
- Creation of communication campaigns in line with the FMN C&A Plan objectives and analysis
- Creation of necessary content and media to support the communication campaign
- Liaison and coordination of content delivery agencies and personnel Monitoring, recording and assessment of campaign results and outcomes
- Support the implementation of the IPCaT Communication and Awareness Strategy
- Creation of communication campaigns in line with the IPCaT C&A Plan objectives and analysis
- Creation of necessary content and media to support the communication campaign
- Liaison and coordination of content delivery agencies and personnel Monitoring, recording and assessment of campaign results and outcomes
- Support the development and implementation of the communication and awareness strategy for NDS Reference Architectures Development
- Development of an NDS Reference Architectures Communication and Awareness Plan
- Creation of communication campaigns in line with the NDS Reference Architectures C&A Plan objectives and analysis
- Creation of necessary content and media to support the communication campaign
- Liaison and coordination of content delivery
- Monitoring, recording and assessment of campaign results and outcomes
Activities
Under the direction of the project manager or assigned task leader, the services provided are related to the following activities:
- Activities under the NATO FMN Communication and Awareness Support
- Create a communication campaign in line with the FMN C&A Plan objectives and analysis, focussed on two aspects: General FMN Awareness, Data Centric Security implementation in FMN
- Create the necessary content and media to improve support for FMN general awareness (Video interviews, Newsletter articles, Blog entries)
- Create the necessary content and media to support the DCS communication campaign
- Liaise and coordinate with the Capability Planning Working Group (CPWG) High Level Planning Team (HLPT), the Multinational CIS Security Management Authority Working Group (MCSMA WG) and the NDS to ensure accurate and complete
- Engage at key events to promote awareness of the IPCaT and its key products: CWIX 2025 Execution, CWIX 2026 Initial Planning Conference
- Monitor, record and assess campaign results and outcomes and report these to the WP4 Sponsor
- Activities under the IPCaT Communication and Awareness Support
- Create communication campaigns and products in line with the IPCaT C&A Plan objectives and analysis: The NISP Flyer, The IPCaT Team Booklet, The IO Dashboard Flyer
- Engage at key events to promote awareness of the IPCaT and its key products: CWIX 2025 Execution, CWIC 2026 Initial Planning Conference
- Liaise and coordinate with content delivery agencies and personnel
- Activities under the NDS Reference Architectures Communication and Awareness Support
- Update the NDS Reference Architectures Communication Strategy using inputs from key stakeholders in NDS, focusing on: Defining overall objectives, incl. goals, key messages and
- success criteria, Conducting stakeholder analysis, identifying key stakeholder (strategic, technical, and operational level), their key concerns and incentives.
- Develop an initial NDS Reference Architecture Communication and Awareness Plan, including: Time and location, frequency, responsible contributors, and communication channels, Identify champions and internal advocates
- Create the necessary content and media to support the pilot communication campaign, including: Developing the initial content, Ensuring internal alignment and roll out as per the Reference Architecture Communication and Awareness Plan.
- Liaise and coordinate with content delivery agencies and personnel
- Monitor, record and assess the campaign results and outcomes and adapt the Reference Architecture Communication and Awareness Plan accordingly.
The services provided under this SOW require the consultants to have a valid NATO SECRET security clearance.
Specific Expertise Required:
Expertise
The services to be provided under this SOW requires a single contractor who has expertise in several areas to ensure clarity, precision, and alignment with organizational goals. The key expertise areas that must be demonstrated by the contractor are:
- Minimum of 3 years Strategic Communication Expertise: Understanding of corporate communication, public relations, and marketing strategies; Knowledge of stakeholder engagement, crisis communication, and reputation management
- Minimum of 3 years Content Development and Branding: Expertise in developing messaging frameworks, key messages, and content strategies; Knowledge of brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity; Deep experience in creating campaign materials (press releases, social media posts, brochures, etc.)
- Minuimum of 3 years Stakeholder and Audience Analysis: Ability to identify target audiences and tailor communication approaches; Understanding of cultural, social, and organizational communication nuances; Expertise in user research, surveys, and feedback mechanisms
- Minuimum of 3 years Performance Measurement and KPIs: Defining measurable objectives (e.g., engagement metrics, media reach, audience sentiment); Understanding analytics tools and reporting methods for communication effectiveness
- Legal and Compliance Considerations: Awareness of copyright, intellectual property, and data protection laws.
- At least 2 years experience of coordinating and delivering communication and awareness campaigns in an international military environment.
- At least 2 years experience experience of military interoperability programmes and concepts
- Demonstrated ability to craft high fidelity messaging, imagery and information products across a range of media types including, but not limited to, web content, imagery and photography, infographics, video and audio.
- Deep experience (minimum 4 years) in working with international organisations and in multinational environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of NATO Structures and military operations
- Clearance & Security Awareness: Ability to work with classified/unclassified data and within secure environments.
- Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to develop clear, effective communication strategies aligned with business goals.
- Excellent Written & Verbal Communication: Strong storytelling and message development skills. Ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
- Stakeholder Management & Influence. Skilled at engaging and aligning key stakeholders (internal and external). Ability to build trust, navigate organizational dynamics, and drive consensus
- Adaptability & Flexibility: Comfortable working in dynamic environments with shifting priorities. Can adjust communication strategies based on audience feedback or business changes
- Creativity & Innovation: Ability to develop fresh, engaging communication campaigns and materials.
- Thinks outside the box to solve communication challenges effectively.