Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) - Product Testing Framework

Descriptions

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) is developing a procurement opportunity relating to various categories of product testing to verify compliance with applicable regulations and standards. DBT are considering awarding a framework across multiple lots. At this stage, DBT cannot confirm the lotting structure in detail, but it is anticipated that the procurement will involve lots that will cover testing under the National Regulation Enforcement Services that the Office for Product Safety and Standards are responsible for. These will contain, but not necessarily be limited to: - Construction product testing including resistance and reaction to fire. - Product safety testing in general covering testing of products such as electrical equipment, gas appliances, toys, furniture, Personal Protective Equipment, batteries, pressure equipment etc. - Energy efficiency and Noise testing. - Chemical testing including cosmetics, timber and restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS). - Cyber security testing covering Product Security and Telecommunication Infrastructure (PSTI) and Smart ChargePoint regulations. DBT is considering use of the new Open Framework permissions permitted by The Procurement Act 2023. At this stage, it is perceived that the framework could be opened at least once in the early years of up to an 8-year framework. If introducing an 8-year open framework, the value of the opportunity is estimated at £35,000,000. The full specification shall be provided with the tender documents, and the intention of this Premarket Engagement Notice is to engage with suppliers to determine an appropriate approach to the procurement activity. It should be noted that DBT makes no commitment to procure these services and may decide not to progress any further following engagement with the market. DBT reserves the right to change any information contained within the Preliminary Market Engagement documentation at any time, and Potential Suppliers rely upon any information provided entirely at their own risk. Background The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is part of The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and was created in January 2018 to deliver consumer protection and to support business confidence, productivity, and growth. OPSS regulate a wide range of products with a focus on their safety and integrity. OPSS works with local, national, and international regulators, with consumer representatives and with businesses to deliver effective protections and to support compliance. OPSS' mission is to be a trusted product regulator for the UK. This means protecting people and places, enabling business to thrive and empowering consumers to make good choices. OPSS will be a leader of good regulatory practice and a champion of local regulation. OPSS is: • the national regulator for all consumer products, except for vehicles, medicines, and food. • the national regulator for legal metrology, ensuring weighing and measuring instruments are accurate and reliable. • the National Regulator for Construction Products (NRCP). Suppliers are strongly encouraged to read the text at the following link to gain a full understanding of the role of the enforcement services within Government: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-regulation-enforcement-services