Operational Equipment

Covering all equipment carried on incident response vehicles, plus foam, medical equipment, specialist team equipment and welfare

The category covers all equipment that is carried on incident response vehicles as well as foam, medical equipment, specialist team equipment (e.g. technical rescue / hazmat), and welfare. It also covers smoke alarms for Safe and Well Checks, training equipment and services such as scientific testing, hose testing, etc.

Update: Safe and Well Equipment Framework Agreement - Price Increase

In July Thomas Kneale & Co Ltd wrote to request a price increase on the Safe and Well Equipment framework across Lots 1, 2 and 6. The request is due to increasing shipping costs, which have more than doubled in the last year. As the framework owners West Midlands Fire Service have accepted a 5% increase across all products on Lot 1 FR Bedding, Lot 2 FR Clothing and Smoking Aprons and Lot 6 FR Rubber Mats, this is based on the evidence submitted by the supplier. An agreement is in place for the increases to take effect from 9 August until 8 November. At which point the prices will be reviewed and possibly reduced. We are aware that this will impact call off contracts with Thomas Kneale.

To request the updated pricing from Thomas Kneale please contact the framework owner liz.davies@wmfs.net

DS314-20 Framework Agreement for Respiratory Protective Equipment, Associated Equipment and Services

Extension to Framework Period

DS314-20 Framework Agreement for Respiratory Protective Equipment, Associated Equipment and Services comes to the end of its initial term on 28 February 2025.

There is provision in the terms and conditions of the Framework and as stated in the Contracts Notice and Contracts Award Notice to extend the period of the Framework, providing there have been no substantial changes in the supply market and that the Framework Agreement continues to meet the needs of the Participating Services and Participating Customers.

Substantial changes could include, amongst other things:

New entrants to the market
Potential providers who were previously unsuccessful in one or more Lots or who were unable to supply to one or more Lots at the time of tendering for this Framework Agreement who could subsequently supply the Goods and Services
Technological advancements not otherwise covered by the Framework Agreement.

Following a review of the market, provisions in the existing Framework, available time & resources, forthcoming changes in the Public Contracts Regulations, correspondence with Contracting Authorities and consultation with Framework Contractors, it has been determined to extend the period of the Framework by twelve (12) months so as to expire on 28 February 2026. This has been approved by the Chair of the NFCC Respiratory Protective Equipment Group.

Note: any further competition tenders undertaken during this period must be completed, awarded and at least one purchase order issued (and ideally fulfilled) no later than 28 February 2026 in order to comply with the principles of the Framework.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority has agreed to lead a tender in 2025 to establish a replacement Framework on behalf of and in conjunction with the NFCC Respiratory Protective Equipment Group. Consultations with Contracting Authorities regarding the scope and content of the new Framework will take place in Spring 2025.

Please do not hesitate to contact Louise Doherty at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service for further information or clarification. Tel: 01392 872525, E-mail: ldoherty@dsfire.gov.uk

Operational equipment resources

Meet the operational equipment team

Mandy Beasley

Operational Equipment Category Lead

Mandy Beasley is currently the Head of Procurement at West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service. Mandy has been with the Fire Service since 2009 and her background is exclusively from within the Public Sector with over 30 years’ experience in Public Sector Procurement.

Prior to joining West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service Mandy was a Principal Procurement Manager at West Midlands Police for 13 years and has also worked for two West Midlands Local Authorities. During her career Mandy has developed an extensive knowledge in the procurement of almost all goods and services and has always sought to promote the benefits of collaboration within Public Sector procurement through active participation on Regional and National Groups.

Mandy is currently the Procurement Lead for the West Midlands Regional Procurement Forum and also represents West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service and the wider Region at all other Procurement related meetings within the Midlands area.