To consider the report relating to the Procurement of Firefighting and Technical Rescue Helmets (CFO/21/2526).

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle, introduced the report  informing Members of the outcome of the regional procurement exercise for firefighting and technical rescue helmets.

Members were made aware that the current helmets used by Fire and Rescue Services in the North-West for firefighting operations were procured regionally approximately ten years ago and the production of this model was scheduled to cease next year. The Chief Fire Officer added that the Authority also deployed a separate technical rescue for a limited number of operational staff in technical rescue functions such as the Search and Rescue Team (SRT), Combined Platform Ladder (CPL) operators and the Incident Investigation Team (IIT) crews.

It was confirmed that a direct award under the YPO framework was viable and compliant and the approach secured preferential pricing and long-term value for money. Members were reassured that the specification required helmets suitable for structural firefighting and technical rescue operations and was compliant with relevant standards. The Chief Fire Officer added that the supplier’s proposal was evaluated against these requirements and met the operational, safety and financial criteria. 

Members’ attention was drawn to the total anticipated expenditure over the five-year contract being approximately £2.000m, however, the projected Authority expenditure over the life of the contract was approximately £540k. The Chief Fire Officer explained that current stock would be utilised until it had run out and natural migration would occur to switch to the new helmets, rather than replacing them all at the same time.

Councillor Kieran Murphy asked that with the cost being spent over a period of time, whether inflation in price had been considered. Head of Procurement, Hywyn Pritchard, explained that the costs would be governed by the fixed prices under the framework but would be subject to any CPI increases, over the term of five years.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, queried the challenges in uniform for women and wondered whether this had been factored in and if it would be better for female colleagues. The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the uniform was subject to an Equality Impact Assessment and was continuously under review. It was explained that the new helmets reduced weight considerably.

Councillor Dave Hanratty enquired that when the report mentioned the ‘region’ whether this was the Merseyside region or the North-West region. The Chief Fire Officer clarified that this was the North-West region. It was asked by Councillor Dave Hanratty whether this would have an impact on the cost being shared and it was confirmed that this was correct and Merseyside’s expenditure of the £2.000m would be approximately £540k.

Councillor Sam Gorst entered the meeting at 13:11.

It was queried by Councillor Dave Hanratty how the Authority identified obsolete equipment and the lifespan of helmets. The Chief Fire Officer explained that firefighters had guidance around this and would check regularly if there was any damage to them. He reassured Members that if there was any damage, they would always be inspected and if necessary, replaced. Members were made aware that these pieces of equipment would be disposed of if they were not fit for firefighting situations or donated to charity, but it would depend on the circumstance.

RESOLVED that:

a)    the contents of the report be noted; and

b)    the award of the contract for firefighting and technical rescue helmets for the region to Bristol Uniforms Limited (a part of MSA Great Britain Holdings Limited), at a total cost of up to £2.000m be approved.