Hand Held Radios
Firebuy’s latest framework agreement for hand held radios was let from 1 September 2009. This framework agreement is for the supply of hand held radios, which includes both analogue and digital radios, base stations together with service and maintenance, replaces and significantly improves the previous Firebuy framework.
The purpose of this procurement was to provide a multi- supplier framework agreement with a more extensive range of products for purchasing bodies to call-off as required. Naturally, it is the responsibility of purchasing bodies across the public sector to decide which radios are suitable for their different operational situations.
Firebuy would like to thanks West Midlands FRS and Tyne and Wear FRS for their assistance with the evaluation of this procurement project.
Who can use the framework
Firebuy's new Hand Held Radio framework agreement is available to all UK Fire and Rescue Services, MOD and public sector organisations.
Value for Money
This new framework will offer Fire and Rescue Services excellent value for money and choice through increased competition in the UK market place. A comparison of prices between the previous and new framework for analogue radios (the only type on the previous framework) demonstrates that whilst prices are 8% higher on the new contract there is an actual decrease in real terms taking account of inflation since 2005 when the previous contract was let.
Furthermore, by offering comparable products from new suppliers, purchasing bodies may be able to take advantage of more competitive prices, particularly when buying in bulk. The incentive for FRAs to collaborate with each other is therefore a strong one and further helps them to achieve the requirements of the Operational Efficiency Programme.
What is on the framework
This framework agreement was procured against a variety of lots as follows:-
Lot 1 - Analogue Radios
Supply of a wide range of analogue radios. This lot replaces the previous Firebuy framework agreement.
Lot 2 - Digital Radios
Supply of a variety of non TETRA digital radios. This lot is included to encourage more use of digital radios in FRAs and the wider public sector. It does not cover TETRA radios which are currently part of the Airwave procurement arrangements.
Lot 3 - Submersible Radios
Supply of a range of analogue and digital radios which fully meet the required submersible standards for use in the water rescue environment.
Lot 4 - Base Stations
Supply of base stations and repeaters which allow radio system connection.
Lot 5 - Service and Maintenance
Service and Maintenance of radios and base stations. It should be noted that cover given is dependent on the particular supplier.
Firebuy’s framework agreement has eight suppliers of Hand Held Radios and they are Arquiva, Maxon, NineHundred, PMS, Radion Systems, RadioComs, Servicom and Team Simoco