The procurement contact named on the official notice.

The submission route named on the official notice.

The Contracting Authority intends to procure the provision of Specialist Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Clothing and Associated Services ("Supplies").

The Contracting Authority is seeking to appoint a single supplier per lot (each lot as described within this notice).

This procurement is being undertaken via the restricted procedure in line with Regulation 28 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

The Framework Agreement(s), together with the resultant Call-Off Agreement(s) will provide contract vehicles for all Fire and Rescue Authorities and other Blue Light Emergency Services (as defined under the list of category 1 and 2 responders set out in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 which includes Police Forces, British Transport Police, Ambulance Services and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Other public sector bodies or Voluntary Aid Societies, such as Kent Search and Rescue (Lowlands) or similar voluntary charitable organisations) to purchase such Supplies and will cover the geographical area of the British Islands (as defined in section 5 of the Interpretation Act 1978).

Interested parties are permitted to tender for any number of lots.

However, they must be able to provide all Supplies detailed within the lot they are tendering for.

A number of Fire and Rescue Authorities have expressed an interest in utilising the framework agreements and although they have not formally committed to calling-off under the Framework Agreement(s), the intention is that if successful tender(s) provide value for money, the Authorities will utilise the Framework Agreement(s).

This description of the proposed procurement is non-exhaustive and further details about the procurement and the Contracting Authority's requirements are provided in the accompanying procurement documents.

Please note the SQ and all available documents in draft form will be issued on Monday 22nd March 2021