Procurement

Introduction

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service procures a wide range of goods, services and works to support front-line emergency response and wider corporate activities. We are committed to achieving value for money, acting fairly and transparently, supporting innovation and complying with public procurement legislation.

Current Opportunities

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service advertises procurement opportunities through the Find a Tender Service and, where applicable, through the West Mercia Police (WMP) In-tend e-procurement portal, which is used to support our procurement activity.

Suppliers are encouraged to check these sites regularly for current opportunities.

Supporting Local and SME Suppliers

SFRS recognises the important contribution made by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), local businesses and specialist providers.

We aim to make our procurement opportunities as accessible as possible and encourage participation from a diverse supplier base, while ensuring that procurement requirements remain proportionate to the contract.

Doing Business with SFRS

SFRS aims to make it as easy as possible for suppliers to participate in procurement opportunities. The guidance below will help suppliers prepare for and respond to opportunities effectively.

Before You Bid

Suppliers should:

Read procurement documents carefully.
Check that they can meet any stated conditions of participation or minimum requirements.
Submit clarification questions through the specified route before the deadline.
Respond to all relevant requirements.
Submit responses before the closing date and time.

How We Evaluate

Each procurement will set out its own evaluation methodology and award criteria. Depending on the requirement, these may consider factors such as price or cost, quality, technical requirements, delivery arrangements, social value and other relevant criteria.

Suppliers should refer to the procurement documents for the specific criteria and weightings applicable to each opportunity.

Tender Outcomes and Feedback

Suppliers participating in procurement exercises will be notified of the outcome in accordance with the requirements applicable to that procurement. Where appropriate, SFRS will provide information to help suppliers understand the outcome of the evaluation process.

What We Buy

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service procures a broad range of goods, services and works to support operational, corporate and community safety activities, including:

Operational equipment
Fire vehicles and vehicle conversions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Uniforms and workwear
ICT hardware, software and telecommunications
Estates, construction and maintenance
Facilities management
Fleet maintenance and associated services
Training, consultancy and professional services

How We Buy

SFRS takes a proportionate approach to procurement. The route to market will depend on factors including the value, complexity, risk and nature of the requirement.

Depending on the requirement, we may seek quotations, undertake an open procedure or competitive flexible procedure, use an appropriate framework agreement or dynamic market, collaborate with other public bodies, or use another procurement route permitted under applicable procurement legislation and SFRS governance.

Our approach is intended to secure value for money while ensuring appropriate competition, transparency and effective management of public funds.

Framework Agreements

SFRS uses framework agreements established by public sector buying organisations where they provide an appropriate and compliant route to market. Depending on the framework and requirement, contracts may be awarded following further competition or another call-off mechanism permitted by the framework.

SFRS may use frameworks and other commercial arrangements established by central government, emergency service partners, public sector buying organisations and other contracting authorities. As a result, not every SFRS requirement will be advertised as a standalone open procurement opportunity.

Working With Other Public Bodies

Collaborative Procurement

Where appropriate, SFRS works collaboratively with other Fire and Rescue Services, emergency services and public sector organisations to achieve value for money and maximise efficiencies.

Preliminary Market Engagement

SFRS may undertake preliminary market engagement before commencing a procurement where this is considered appropriate and proportionate. Preliminary market engagement helps the Service understand:

Market capability and capacity
Available products, services and solutions
Emerging technologies and innovations
Relevant commercial models and routes to market
Opportunities to improve outcomes and value for money

Participation in preliminary market engagement does not guarantee that a procurement opportunity will follow, nor does it provide any supplier with an advantage during any subsequent procurement process.

Legislation and Governance

SFRS conducts its procurement activity in accordance with applicable public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, together with SFRS Contract Standing Orders and relevant Fire Authority governance requirements.

Procurements commenced under previous legislation may continue to be governed by the relevant previous procurement regime where applicable.

Procurement Act 2023 guidance for suppliers

Responsible Procurement and Social Value

SFRS seeks to use procurement, where appropriate and proportionate, to support wider environmental, social and economic outcomes.

Depending on the requirement, suppliers may be asked about areas such as:

Social value and community benefits
Skills, training and employment
Environmental sustainability and carbon reduction
Modern slavery and ethical supply chains
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Data protection and cyber security
Business continuity
Health and safety

The requirements relevant to each procurement will be set out in the procurement documents.

Prompt Payment

SFRS recognises the importance of prompt payment to suppliers and aims to ensure that valid and undisputed invoices are paid in accordance with applicable contractual and statutory payment requirements. Suppliers are also expected to support appropriate prompt payment practices within their supply chains where relevant.

Procurement Pipeline (Future Opportunities)

Our Procurement Pipeline provides suppliers with visibility of planned procurement activity and potential future opportunities.

The pipeline is indicative and may change as requirements develop. Publication of an opportunity on the pipeline does not commit SFRS to commencing a procurement.

Contracts and Transparency

SFRS is committed to transparency in public procurement and spending. Information about contracts and procurement activity is published in accordance with applicable transparency requirements.

Our Contracts Register provides information about current contractual arrangements with suppliers.

View the Contracts Register

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find opportunities with SFRS?

Suppliers are encouraged to monitor opportunities published through Find a Tender and, where applicable, register on the West Mercia Police In-Tend e-procurement portal. Suppliers should also ensure that their information held on the central digital platform is kept up to date where required.

Does SFRS always advertise requirements openly?

No. Depending on the requirement and applicable procurement rules, SFRS may use existing framework agreements, dynamic markets, collaborative arrangements or other permitted procurement routes.

How are tenders evaluated?

The evaluation methodology and award criteria are set out in the procurement documents for each opportunity.

How do I contact Procurement?

procurement@shropshirefire.gov.uk

Key Procurement Documents

Contact Procurement

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomes engagement from existing and prospective suppliers. If you have a question regarding procurement opportunities, supplier engagement, framework agreements, future requirements or general procurement matters, please contact the Procurement Team using the details below. We will endeavour to respond to enquiries promptly and provide appropriate guidance where possible.