Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

Tender description

The purpose of this prior information notice (PIN) is to inform you that the UK Home Office will be carrying out a market survey of suitable detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) equipment for use by the emergency services when responding to incidents involving a release of chemical, biological and radiological substances. The DIM equipment to be considered will include what is currently available commercial-off-the shelf, or will be available within the next 2 years. The information gathered will be used to shape decisions about enhancing the DIM capability of the Fire and Rescue Service in England, as well as informing the requirements for future DIM capabilities for the wider UK response organisations. The purpose of this prior information notice (PIN) is to inform you that the UK Home Office will be carrying out a market survey of suitable detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) equipment for use by the emergency services when responding to incidents involving a release of chemical, biological and radiological substances. The DIM equipment to be considered will include what is currently available commercial-off-the shelf, or will be available within the next 2 years. The information gathered will be used to shape decisions about enhancing the DIM capability of the Fire and Rescue Service in England, as well as informing the requirements for future DIM capabilities for the wider UK response organisations. The manufacturers and suppliers will be requested to provide information about their relevant DIM equipment relating to the equipment capability, equipment performance, maintenance and costs. They will also be requested to share information about any innovative and emerging technology within the market place, and how this will influence the development of DIM equipment in the foreseeable future. The information provided will be treated commercial-in-confidence. The DIM equipment is for use by the emergency services at an incident involving a release of chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) substances. The incident could occur inside a building, transport or in the open environment. The equipment will be used for: — Detection of CBR substances, — Identification or categorisation of CBR substances, — Monitoring of CBR substances. The DIM equipment will be used to inform command decision making and safe systems of work, as well as to support investigative activity. Examples of typical tasks and activities performed by the emergency services include: — Setting and monitoring of cordons, — Identifying areas free from CBR contamination, — Scene assessment, — Safe deployment of assets, — Advice on personal protective equipment, — Assessment of suspicious (or unknown) solids or liquids, — Monitoring the build-up of CBR contamination inside and outside of wet mass decontamination structures, — Monitoring of casualties after decontamination to check efficacy of the process, — Monitoring of contamination in run-off water from decontamination structures. Next steps: If you are interested in participating in the market survey please register your interest by emailing the following address by 12:00 pm on Tuesday 7 August: DIMReview@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk The market survey will be issued in early August.