Supply and delivery of male body armour

Report: 22
Date: 27 September 2002
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report describes a formal competitive tendering exercise for male body armour and recommendation for the award of contract.

A. Recommendation

Members are asked to note the contents of this report and agree the award of contract for the supply and delivery of male body armour (Metvest) for a period of up to five years..

B. Supporting information

Background

1. Approval was given at the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee on 20 February 2012 for fresh tender action for a replacement contract for male body armour (Metvest). Approval was received on 20 February 2001.

2. The requirement is for 22,000 sets of covert armour, with the option to wear overtly. Each set of armour will be supplied with five covers. 

3. The contract when let will be for 3 years with the provision to extend for a further 2 years. The total contract value over 5 years exceeds the Commissioner’s delegated authority, and therefore requires approval by the MPA.

Formal tender process

4. Procurement Services placed an advertisement in the Official Journal of the European Community (OJEC), received expressions of interest and evaluated them. All companies who expressed an interest were invited to tender in order to maximise the benefits of developments in the market place.

5. Tenderers were requested to submit samples, which were evaluated by Operational Technical Support Unit – Physical Protection Team (OTSU), both knife and ballistic resistance. Two officers from Officer Safety Branch also wore sample armour within the training environment to assess wearability.

6. Armours from two companies were subjected to an extensive operational wearer trial of approximately 180 officers, including officers from Kent and Suffolk constabularies who will make use of the contract once awarded. The trial involved officers wearing the armours for up to 8 hours to enable evaluation of various aspects, including freedom of upper body movement, comfort both upright and seated (including in vehicles) and compatibility with uniform.

7. This has enabled a clear view to emerge of the merits of the various tenders and we are satisfied that in awarding the contract we will provide armours that utilise modern technology and construction methods. The armours are far lighter in weight than existing armours (which should help to reduce back problems), more flexible and therefore wearable over longer periods and in various conditions, increasing officer safety, and provide an acceptable level of protection for police officers.

8. The tender for female body armour has been running in conjunction with this exercise, and a recommendation for award is being approved by MPS senior management. (Given the lower value of this contract, it does not require formal MPA approval.)

C. Equality and diversity implications

There are no equalities implications.

D. Financial implications

Financial details of the contract and the recommendation to award are contained in a separate exempt report to be considered at this meeting. (agenda item 27)

E. Background papers

• None

F. Contact details

Report author: Alastair Thompson.

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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