The FA has issued an Invitation to Tender ("ITT") for its International Audio Visual Production and Distribution Services and for its Archive Services for the period 2008-12.

The tender, which is split between the two services, aims to find a production partner to service The FA's record new $300m overseas broadcast deals which were concluded in late 2008 and also to award a contract for the operation of the FA’s Archive.

The production and distribution tender is the most complex ever released by The FA as it contains the requirement to service Mobile and Internet clients for the first time, as well as the more traditional television production services. Further, The FA is requesting domestic production services, not least at The FA’s operations at Wembley Stadium. The Archive is a significant revenue stream for The FA and the successful bidder will be inheriting a well-established business which has serious potential for growth across all viewing platforms

FA Group Commercial Director Jonathan Hill said: "We have delivered a number of ground-breaking deals overseas which will allow The FA to invest heavily into football over the forthcoming years.

"However, it is highly important that we service our broadcast partners correctly and we aim to give them an unrivalled service in every regard. In terms of The FA Archive, we consistently see significant demand for past England and FA Cup matches and it’s a great commercial opportunity for the successful bidder.

"We expect competition for the right to operate these services for The FA to be intense."

The tender has been issued to a number of interested parties and is available to all here. All bids must be received by midday on Wednesday 25 June, UK time. 

For more information, please download the Invitation to Tender document: Invitation to Tender document (pdf)