Capita Case Study

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.

Kent FRS SPPE Framework

Customer name – Kent Fire & Rescue Service
Business Sector –  State Brigade
Business Requirement – : Specific need PPE due to the increasing amount of Wildfire incidents occurring. Ensuring firefighters were not exposed to the risk of heatstress associated with using structural garments when attending wildfire incidents.

 

 

An Overview

Brett Egan-Briers from Kent Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) is the National Firefighters PPE Technical Advisor. He handled procurement for the National Specialist PPE (NSPPE) Wildland PPE Framework in 2022, which selected FlamePro’s Defender as the preferred wildland PPE ensemble for UK firefighters:

“The driver behind this procurement project was the increase in wildland fire incidents occurring in the UK. We have always been susceptible to heath, moorland and grassland fires in the summer months, but these were increasing in frequency and intensity, particularly in London and the South East which were affected by long periods of hot, dry weather.
Nominated by the Commercial Transformation Programme (CTP) as the lead service in creating national procurement frameworks for PPE, Kent FRS was tasked with identifying a preferred wildland kit for the UK’s firefighters, along with a maintenance package to handle ongoing repairs and cleaning. By working together to select a supplier, FRSs would benefit from economies of scale and more efficient route to purchase.

 

The requirement

Traditionally, UK firefighters have worn structural PPE to all call-outs. This provides full thermal protection when faced with intense fires in buildings, but can be heavy and cumbersome to wear. In reality, tackling structural fires is a small part of a firefighter’s role. Today we attend a wide variety of incidents, from road traffic accidents to flooding, as well as undertaking work in the community providing fire safety advice and education. Around 93% of the time, wearing full structural PPE isn’t necessary, and firefighters would prefer to be operating in kit that is lighter and more comfortable.

At a wildland fire, crews are likely to be wearing kit for long periods of time in hot weather and need to stay comfortable. Specific purpose wildland PPE is usually much better suited to these fires than full structural PPE. It needs to be resistant to radiant heat, flames and embers, but doesn’t require multi-layer thermal protection against the intense heat of structural fires. As a result, it is usually lighter and more breathable, which is preferable when fighting fires in hot weather. We set about creating a procurement framework to make it easier and more affordable for FRSs to purchase this specialist kit.

 

The tender process

A thorough pre-qualification assessment was conducted to verify important criteria amongst potential suppliers, and as a result, three PPE suppliers were invited to tender, each putting forward designs and samples for consideration.
The ensembles were then tested by a selection of firefighters from Fire and Rescue Services across the country, who undertook various training scenarios whilst wearing the kit. The entire process took into account transparency, innovation, business resilience, value for money, and feedback from the wearer trials.

FlamePro’s Defender was a firm favourite at the wearer trials, and the company’s in-house design, manufacturing and testing capabilities ensured that samples and designs met the technical requirements. In addition, FlamePro’s partnership with the Johnsons Workwear network of cleaning facilities across the country, meant that a comprehensive fully managed service package was available for FRSs in all locations, enabling crucial ongoing maintenance of the kit. As a result, Defender was selected as the wildland PPE of choice for the Framework.

To date, I understand that FRSs from Lancashire, Cumbria, Surrey, Hampshire, North Wales and Norfolk have purchased the kit, and are putting it to good use on wildland fire call outs.

 

 

The investment

Wildland fires are an increasing problem in the UK and likely to become more frequent with climate change. When considering costs, it’s important that FRSs look holistically at the whole life costs of their PPE stock in light of the incidents they are likely to face. Specialist PPE is often considered an additional cost, but can offer good value for money if it can help prolong the life of more expensive structural PPE.

All firefighters must have access to full structural PPE in case of a serious incident, and most have two personal issue sets to allow for cleaning. This kit is generally more costly due to the higher level of thermal protection and complex combination of materials required. However, the repeated wearing and washing of structural kit can shorten its useful life significantly, meaning that it’s not
economical to wear this kit to all call-outs. Depending on the location and types of incidents faced by individual FRSs, purchasing specific purpose Wildland or Technical Rescue PPE could save on the cost of replacing structural sets in the long run, whilst ensuring firefighters are working in comfort with suitable protection.”

FlamePro delivers with unrivalled lead times

FlamePro delivers with unrivalled lead times

PPE lead times are a sticking point in the industry right now. Global events are taking a toll with competition for production lines increasing as military requirements take precedence. Lead times dragging beyond 12 months are not unusual, and are understandably causing frustration, with fire and rescue services (FRSs) facing long waits for orders to arrive.  Increasingly, procurement officers are looking for suppliers that do things differently and can guarantee rapid delivery without compromising on quality.

 

FlamePro is defying this trend with unrivalled lead times thanks to our in-house manufacturing facility in the heart of Europe. Here we have full control of the process and supply chain, which helps to reduce our carbon footprint and ensures rapid delivery of quality kit within just 8-12 weeks.

 

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We go out of our way to understand their requirements and think outside the box when it comes to solutions. Often the right PPE solution isn’t necessarily the most obvious one!

 

We have a clear path to purchase, which ensures we fully understand our customers’ requirements and crucially, once an order is placed, we can move quickly:

 

Quick and efficient sizing

Our sizer app makes it quick and simple to size your entire team. It’s an accurate way to select the best fit.

 

Full control of supply chain and manufacturing process

We have our own dedicated manufacturing facility in Bulgaria. We employ our own staff, and have stringent training, auditing and quality control processes. Our dedicated sampling team and production line means we don’t have to compete for manufacturing slots and there are no delays or long waits for PPE.

 

We keep healthy stocks of innovative and technically advanced fabrics, which also enables us offer industry leading delivery times.

 

Central European location

Our manufacturing facility is well placed for easy access and fast delivery to customers in UK, Europe and beyond.

 

Uncompromising quality

Speed doesn’t affect quality. Our PPE is carefully manufactured to the highest quality. Every item of clothing we sell uses quality fabrics, is heat resistant, flame resistant, breathable and durable and carefully designed so that it’s ergonomic and comfortable.

 

Actions speak louder than words. Over the last 3 years we have been the contract holder to supply Wildland Firefighting garments to several UK FRSs through the National Specialist PPE (NSPPE) Framework. Supply has included large scale role-outs to Lancashire FRS, Scotland FRS, Surrey FRS and most recently Hampshire FRS. Through this Framework, we are contracted to deliver within 12 weeks and have met this requirement every time.

 

We also hold a lot of stock PPE and for these items, we can offer next day delivery to our distributors including Fire Ladders and Flameskill.

 

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