West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (The Authority) are seeking expressions of interest from suppliers for an upcoming opportunity to provide Safe and Well Equipment under a National Framework Agreement for the UK Fire Sector and potentially other public sector organisations.

Fire Service personnel undertake Safe and Well visits within their local communities daily; through these visits' equipment requirements are identified and issued.

The products issued are to assist with preventing fires occurring in the home.This will be the second iteration of this Framework as the current version has run successfully for almost four years.

The multi-Lot/ supplier Framework has been utilised by over 20 UK Fire and Rescue Services, with a spend to date of £1.2 million.

The current Framework expires in April 2025, and it is the intention of the Authority to procure and award a new Framework in time for the expiry date.

Establishing a national Framework Agreement will mean that all Fire and Rescue Authorities and any other named organisations in England; Scotland; Wales; Northern Ireland; the States of Jersey; Guernsey and Isle of Man; could have one route to market to purchase Safe and Well Equipment either through Direct Award or by Further Competition.

The Framework would be let for four years, however with the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 coming into effect from 28 October 2024 there is also potential to make this an Open Framework.

It is anticipated that the tender would be issued late November early December 2024, and the contract awarded by February 2025.

These dates are indicative and subject to change.

The current Framework has the following Lots, and it is anticipated that the Lot structure will remain the same, however additional products or Lots could be considered.

Lot 1 Fire Resistant Bedding Lot 2 - Fire Resistant ClothingLot 3 Home Security EquipmentLot 5 Personal Moveable Misting Systems ,Lot 6 Fire Resistant Rubber Mats.Please find attached at Appendix 1 a Lot and product matrix for reference.

If you are interested in engaging with this opportunity, then please answer the questions in the attached questionnaire and return your completed forms via In Tend or to procurement@wmfs.net by 8 October 2024.

Once the initial responses to this questionnaire have been reviewed, the Authority will seek to do further premarket engagement, which may consist of online or face to face meetings with suppliers.