FiReBuy – improving the procurement process

The National Procurement Strategy will deliver the best possible vehicles, equipment and clothing to frontline operational firefighters. Photo: London Fire Brigade

The centrepiece of the strategy is the establishment of FiReBuy Ltd. as the national procurement body for the FRS. FiReBuy will negotiate contracts for major FRS spending on vehicles, clothing and respiratory protective equipment. It will also carry out contract and service-level monitoring to ensure that the new arrangements work.

By putting procurement on a national footing, the new strategy is expected to provide many benefits for fire and rescue services, and make a big contribution to the goal of improving service delivery.

Standardised equipment and kit will enhance individual services’ ability to work together across organisational boundaries. Centralising the procurement process will also allow procurement to become a ‘strategic’ function of the FRS – an integral part of development planning rather than a series of piecemeal reactions to change. The savings achieved through the strategy can also be re-invested in the provision of frontline services.

Although it is still early days for FiReBuy, framework agreements for hand-held radios and smoke alarms will be awarded this month. These national agreements will offer significant potential savings in money, time and resources for fire and rescue authorities, who will no longer need to procure these items individually.

The National Procurement Strategy and the formation of FiReBuy is an exciting step forward for the Fire and Rescue Service,’ says Interim Chief Executive of FiReBuy, Terry Brewer.

‘The benefits, such as cost savings for fire and rescue authorities, and the provision of the best possible vehicles, equipment and clothing to frontline operational staff, will allow procurement to provide even greater efficiency and, most importantly, safety for firefighters in the future.’

The National Procurement Strategy for the Fire and Rescue Service: 2005-2008 is found on the DCLG website.