Award

UK5 _ Supply of Services and Support for the Handsfree R5 Fixed Vehicle Device (FVD)

HOME OFFICE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

29 May 2026 at 15:42

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

28 May 2026 at 21:08

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Home Office, located in London, is behind the procurement process titled "UK5 _ Supply of Services and Support for the Handsfree R5 Fixed Vehicle Device (FVD)" which falls under the industry category of telecommunications maintenance services. The process is a completed direct award, following the Procurement Act 2023's stipulations on exclusive supplier rights. The procurement aimed to secure maintenance and support services for in-vehicle communication devices used in the Emergency Services Network. Key deadlines include the contract period starting on 12 June 2026, and initially running until the end of December 2028, with the option to extend by three more years. This direct award ensures service continuity and technical compatibility without the risks associated with changing suppliers.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses skilled in maintenance services of telecommunications equipment, especially those familiar with proprietary systems and detailed technical specifications. Firms such as CKO International Ltd, which has now acquired the intellectual property and technical expertise initially developed by Handsfree Limited, are well-positioned to capitalise on these types of contracts. Businesses that specialise in equipment tailored to specific governmental networks and can ensure high compatibility with existing infrastructures would likely thrive, especially given the tender's high value and the potential for extension. This procurement serves as a strategic opportunity for firms to leverage their technical know-how within the public service sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

UK5 _ Supply of Services and Support for the Handsfree R5 Fixed Vehicle Device (FVD)

Notice Description

This activity is part of the Home Office's wider programme to ensure reliable communication services for emergency responders. It focuses on securing ongoing support and maintenance for in-vehicle communication devices already procured by ESMCP for future Emergency Services Network use. Rather than purchasing new equipment, the contract renews the arrangement for the department to procure support, updates, repairs, and upgrades as needed over time. This approach ensures that existing devices remain safe, functional, and compatible with evolving network requirements. The estimated contract value is approximately PS300,000 (ex VAT). The services are intrinsically linked to the existing devices and their associated software and system interfaces, which were originally designed and developed by the supplier. As such, delivery of the required services must ensure full technical compatibility with the existing asset base and continuity of service. A change in supplier would present significant technical and operational risks, including potential incompatibility with existing hardware and software, disruption to service continuity, and impacts on existing warranties and support arrangements. This contract is not being awarded by reference to lots.

Procurement Information

The contracting authority is relying on section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 and the above listed Direct Award justifications as also set out in Schedule 5 to the Act. The requirement concerns the provision of ongoing maintenance, software support, and associated services for fixed vehicle devices previously designed, developed and supplied by the Supplier's predecessor, Handsfree Limited. The new Services are wholly intended as an extension to the services provided under the Original Contract. More specifically, they relate to the Devices designed and developed (and the ancillary services provided) by Handsfree which are intrinsically linked to the R5 Devices already owned by ESMCP. These Devices were not an "off the shelf" product, and the Services must be compatible with them. Following a corporate restructure, the Handsfree's R5 Fixed Vehicle Device business, has transferred to CKO International Ltd as a going concern. This transfer included all assets necessary for continued delivery of the Services, including intellectual property rights, hardware and software designs, certifications, engineering capability, systems, delivery plans, warranty liabilities and support arrangements. As a result of this transfer, CKO International Ltd now holds the intellectual property, technical know-how, and operational capability required to maintain, support and further develop the Devices. The services are intrinsically linked to the existing devices and their embedded software, interfaces, and system architecture. CKO (following transfer from Handsfree) now possesses the unique technical expertise and knowledge arising from the original design and development of the devices (as part of Handsfree) and retains control of the underlying intellectual property required to deliver the Services. As a result, only CKO is capable of providing the Services without introducing unacceptable technical and operational risks. These include risks of incompatibility with existing hardware and software, disruption to operational performance, and potential impacts on existing warranties and support arrangements. Based on evaluation of the market and the specific nature of this requirement, using an alternative supplier will lead to disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance. The Services depend on detailed knowledge of the existing devices, their embedded software and interfaces, and access to relevant intellectual property and proprietary information held only by CKO. Whilst other suppliers may have related capabilities, they would be unable to deliver the Services to the required standard without substantial duplication, transition activity, or dependency on the incumbent supplier. The contracting authority has also considered the procurement objectives set out in section 12 of the Act, including value for money, integrity, and equal treatment, and considers that a direct award in these circumstances is proportionate and justified.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06a83d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/051021-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

50330000 - Maintenance services of telecommunications equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 May 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Apr 20261 months ago
Contract Period
11 Jun 2026 - 31 Dec 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
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
E20 1JN
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI41 Hackney and Newham
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Newham
Electoral Ward
Stratford Olympic Park
Westminster Constituency
Stratford and Bow

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CKO INTERNATIONAL

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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