Planning

Mobile Data Solutions and Associated Services

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

09 Feb 2026 at 18:16

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is currently in the planning stage of procuring new mobile data solutions and associated services. This process involves replacing and updating hardware, software, and maintenance components for approximately 160 to 310 mobile data terminals, which are crucial for operational decision-making and communication during firefighting activities. The procurement falls under the industry categories of telecommunication, security, fire-fighting equipment, and software systems, with an estimated value of £2 million. The preliminary market engagement notice has been issued with a due date for expressions of interest by 20th February 2026. The formal engagement process is expected to proceed in March 2026, and suppliers are encouraged to submit their interest by contacting Dawn Bradley at the procurement unit. The anticipated contract period is set to begin on 1st April 2027, lasting until 31st March 2032, with potential renewal options extending up to 2034.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in ruggedised computer terminals, telecommunication systems, and software development, particularly those with experience in providing solutions for emergency services. Companies with innovative technologies in secure communications and mobile data systems are well-suited to compete in this tender. By engaging in this process, businesses can not only expand their market presence within the public sector but also contribute to enhancing critical emergency services infrastructure, potentially leading to further collaboration opportunities with government agencies. As the procurement includes dynamic purchasing systems, it offers flexibility and various entry points for suppliers to meet the evolving needs of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Mobile Data Solutions and Associated Services

Notice Description

NIFRS currently have Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) installed on-board frontline fire appliances. These are ruggedised computer terminals with touchscreen capabilities used by NIFRS to provide information to enhance Firefighter safety and deliver real-time GPS location, incorporating status updates in terms of appliance availability. They have become an integral part of how information supports operational decision making on the incident ground. MDTs are a vital piece of equipment to access risk critical information associated with site specific surveys carried out by NIFRS personnel. They are linked to the NIFRS Regional Control Centre (RCC) via the PSNI 'Barracuda' secure radio network and updated whilst on-station via the secure Wi-Fi network. Mobile data software is currently used by Firefighters on board fire appliances and by RCC personnel to deliver Firefighter safety critical information and situational awareness to support decision making and more effective communication. The solution is integrated with various other NIFRS systems which include Fire & Rescue Service databases and Risk Critical Information. Using the MDTs, precise and relevant situational intelligence is available to operational personnel at the touch of a button via a range of intelligence databases on route to incident and at the incident ground. NIFRS are seeking to replace their Mobile Data Solution to include an update on all hardware, software, support and maintenance components for up to approximately 160-310 terminals. NIFRS hope to approach the market with a formal PME questionnaire by March 2026, please note this will not be used to pre qualify the market. It will used to help formulate the specification and business case. If your orgasantion would be interested in taking part in a PME please email Dawn Bradley on NIFRSprocurement@nifrs.org by 5pm 20th Feb 2026.

Planning Information

Expression of Interest Formal PME due to take place in March 2026

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064bb6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011582-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Dynamic
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

48 - Software package and information systems

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

CPV Codes

32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

35000000 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

48000000 - Software package and information systems

92210000 - Radio services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Feb 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
20 Feb 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Contact Name
Dawn Bradley
Contact Email
nifrsprocurement@nifrs.org
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LISBURN
Postcode
BT27 4SX
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN0E Lisburn and Castlereagh
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Lisburn and Castlereagh
Electoral Ward
Wallace Park
Westminster Constituency
Lagan Valley

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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