DS3000 to DCS Interface replacement for Airwave SanH for Integrated Command and Control System (ICCS)

Descriptions

Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations Explanation: A VEAT notice F15: Voluntary ex ante transparency notice, Notice reference: 2022/S 000-034702 was, Published: 7 December 2022, 5:09pm which relates to the replacement SAN H interface within the SSS Public Safety Ltd, Integrated Command and Control System (ICCS). This contract is essential to the effective operational performance and delivery of RBFA's key operations. Airwave currently use a SAN H interface to connect to a SSS Public Safety Ltd ("SSS" hereafter) ICCS, The SANH is at end of life which creates a significant risk to maintaining the service. The replacement hardware for the SAN H is called DCS which is supplied by Airwave at no additional cost, however to maintain the connection between the new DCS and remainder of the communications and mobilising system, a Home Office accredited interface between the new DCS and the ICCS is required to be purchased. SSS (as our ICCS supplier) are the only economic operator which has the required technical approval and accreditation to connect to the Thames Valley Fire control ICCS to Airwave via the DCS. A failure of the connection could result in the Fire Service being unable to mobilise appropriate resources during emergency incidents and expose the public to unacceptable risks. It is considered that due to these exceptional circumstances, the contract can be awarded to SSS Public Safety Limited under regulation 32 (2)(b)(ii) Public Contract Regulations 2015 using the negotiated procedure without prior publication as competition is absent for technical reasons.