Provision of Device to Device Communications for the Emergency Services Network (ESN)

This Contracts Finder Early Engagement notice is to notify the market that the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) plans to enter into a market engagement exercise to further its understanding of the market options for Device to Device Communications for the ESN.

The ESMCP aims to provide an integrated critical voice and broadband data communications service for the Emergency Services in Great Britain that meets the public safety requirements for coverage, functionality, availability and security.

The Authority user requirements call for a D2D mode of operation for local communication without reliance on the network. The long-term proposal for LTE is to use 3GPP Proximity Services (ProSe) to address this requirement. However, this cannot be implemented within the Authority timescales (for reasons including the immaturity of the standards and the lack of support in current devices and networks).

An alternative solution is therefore required to meet the D2D user requirement until such time as a standards-based ProSe solution can be introduced. Except for D2D, the principal communications features will be provided by the ESN device, and the interim D2D solution is expected to consist of a device, which will supplement the ESN device's functionality, either as a standalone or 'integrated' unit.

The quantities of devices and timescales are to be advised and informed by the market engagement.

A Request for Information (RFI) will be provided to interested suppliers containing a number of questions that the Authority welcomes response to. The RFI closing date will be close of business on 14 July 2017. The Project will utilise the information to inform its discussions internally and for the purpose of market engagement meetings with potential suppliers that respond.

The Authority wishes to engage on a one-to-one basis with Potential Suppliers that demonstrate that they are capable of providing the required devices following receipt of a response to this RFI. Accordingly, the Authority will contact Potential Suppliers to arrange meetings where it considers it necessary to do so following RFI receipt and review. Market engagement meetings are due to take place between July and 4 August 2017.

Expressions of Interest to participate in this market engagement activity should be made by e-mailing: ESMCPSupplier@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Following receipt of an Expression of Interest the Authority will send a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to the supplier to complete and return to the same e-mail address. Once the NDA has been returned and verified by the Authority, the supplier will be provided with access to the RFI through the Bravo e-Sourcing Portal.

Further information regarding this Notice can be found in OJEU Prior Information Notice: 2017/S 112-225008