Award

Knife detection - Xenint

HOME OFFICE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

11 Nov 2025 at 08:40

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by the Home Office entails an innovation contract titled "Knife detection - Xenint," with a focus on research and experimental development services. The project aims to develop systems for automatically detecting concealed knives on individuals, targeted for use by police forces. The systems are to operate in a range of configurations, including fixed and portable versions, and must accommodate commonly carried items. The procurement, based in London, has progressed to the award stage, with the tender concluded on 8th September 2025, and the contract period running from 10th October 2025 to 31st August 2026. The total value of the contract is £494,278 GBP, and Xenint Limited has been identified as the supplier. This procurement was specifically open to SMEs and VCSEs, in line with its suitability criteria.

This tender opens opportunities for businesses specialising in technology-driven security solutions. Companies with capabilities in research and development, particularly those focusing on innovative detection and sensor technologies, are well-suited to contribute. Small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises, were encouraged to participate, offering a valuable platform to showcase cutting-edge solutions and expand their business reach within the public safety sector. The emphasis on innovation and adaptation for operational environments highlights a growing need for technological partners capable of transitioning advanced concepts into practical, deployable systems for law enforcement purposes.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Knife detection - Xenint

Notice Description

7.1. The aim of the competition is to develop systems capable of automatically detecting knives concealed on a person, at a distance, to be used by police forces. The systems must be able to detect knives in the presence of commonly carried items, including but not limited to keys, wallets, mobile phones, and tablets. Systems can either be fixed during operation and capable of scanning a defined area (region) of space containing one or more subjects, or capable of being carried and operated by a single police officer for at least the duration of a shift (8 hours). A fixed system should ideally work at a distance of at least 2m to 6m, while a body-worn or handheld system should work at a distance of at least approximately 2m. The Home Office is prepared to fund the further development of systems to meet these requirements, even if their detection range currently falls outside of these distances.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-7d6c3e8f-f9b1-41cd-b533-a1614e485f53
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/1a75dd6c-c95e-4c8f-aa8a-8044985f1771
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Other - Innovation contract
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£494,278 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£494,278 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Nov 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
8 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
7 Nov 20256 months ago
Contract Period
9 Oct 2025 - 31 Aug 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HOME OFFICE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLI London
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

XENINT

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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