Customer Name: Capita
Business sector: MoD Fire Service
Year of order: 2023
Business requirements: Top to toe ensembles for military firefighters from a flexible supplier able to also provide a range of customisations, fully managed services, and the handling of ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the PPE.
An Overview
In 2021, FlamePro was awarded a 10 year contract by Capita to provide Firefighting PPE for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Martin Trafford from Capita Fire and Rescue describes the procurement process, and explains how this has developed into a successful working relationship:
“Firefighters working for the MoD make up one of the largest Fire & Rescue Services (FRSs) in the UK. Our firefighters are located across 56 stations on RAF airfields, Royal Navy and defence sites. In addition, we have firefighters stationed overseas in locations such as Germany, Cyprus, Brunei, the Falkland Islands and the Ascension Islands. As a result, our firefighting PPE requirements are more complex than most. Like all FRSs we require high-quality full structural protection for our firefighters, but delivery and maintenance are more challenging given our widespread locations. Equally, our needs can change at very short notice, so we need suppliers that can be flexible and work to tight deadlines.”
The requirement
Our former firefighting PPE was coming to the end of its useful life, so we needed to re-tender for new kit. We required around 4,000 items to make up full top-to-toe firefighting PPE, comprising structural tunics, trousers, boots, gloves, helmets and flash hoods. These
would need to work together as an ensemble to offer suitable protection and meet the European standard EN 469:2020 Level 2. As military firefighters, there were some additional specifications to consider such as rank sliders and name badges for identification on the fireground. We also needed a supplier with capabilities for providing fully managed services, handling the ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the PPE.
The tender process
The tender process took around a year to complete, which is standard for this kind of contract. A request for proposal (RFT) was issued with a prequalification questionnaire, which led to four different PPE providers being issued an invitation to tender (ITT). These suppliers presented their most suitable products, which were then put through rigorous wearer trials with a selection
of firefighters testing the kit in a variety of training scenarios. FlamePro scored highly across the range of criteria which included price, quality and wearer comfort. The company offered a good selection of products to choose from and responded attentively to each specified element of the brief. We were also impressed with FlamePro’s strength in logistics and focus on swift delivery times. Thanks to the benefit of its in-house manufacturing capabilities, FlamePro was undeterred by the challenge of providing kit to various locations in the UK and overseas.
The solution
FlamePro’s Valiant structural jacket and trouser set was selected as the clear front-runner. The combination of high-quality fabric technologies and innovative design was well received, and it scored particularly highly in the wearer trials for its comfortable and ergonomic fit. To complete the ensemble we selected Jolly 9305 pull-on leather boots, Holik Diamond short firefighting gloves, the MSA Gallet F1XF helmet, and FlamePro’s 171 Full Cover particulate protection hood, worn under the helmet to protect the neck and face from harmful smoke particles. We have since purchased additional specific purpose wildland firefighting PPE from FlamePro,
namely the Defender Wildland Firefighter Suit and compatible accessories, which is required for our firefighters in high-risk areas of the UK, and Cyprus for example.
Cleaning & maintenance
For essential care and maintenance, FlamePro provides managed services for all our UK sites via its partnership with the Johnsons Workwear network of cleaning facilities across the country. Kit is collected, cleaned, repaired if necessary, and returned within seven days as standard. For our overseas sites, the MoD has arrangements in place with local cleaning providers, and FlamePro assists by providing advice and instructions on optimal cleaning techniques.
Distribution & logistics
FlamePro has demonstrated excellent flexibility in responding to our distribution needs since the contact was awarded. Initially, overseas delivery was organised via the MoD’s ‘Purple Gates’ distribution hubs, but we realised efficiencies could be made by delivering kit directly to some overseas sites. FlamePro was able to adapt its systems to suit our needs, and re-routed
deliveries to minimise lead times.
Subsequently, the impact of Brexit saw the export of goods delayed by cumbersome tariffs and paperwork, so FlamePro adapted again, and has reverted back to the Purple Gate system which currently remains more efficient. Over time, we have been impressed with their ability to flex to deliver the best service for their customers depending on circumstances.
From the outset, FlamePro put a lot of time and effort into understanding challenges and nuances, but FlamePro has always been very good at responding to these needs and adapting swiftly to change. Defence services often have to respond quickly to global events, which means our suppliers must respond quickly too. With its control over manufacturing capabilities and excellent management of logistics, FlamePro has consistently delivered exceptional service and exceeded our expectations.