Provision of DCS for Fire Control Collaboration Communications

This is an Award Notice. Hertfordshire County Council have awarded a contract for the Provision of DCS for Fire Control Collaboration Communications.

The Airwave network provides a secure mobile communication system for emergency services and other public safety organisations with whom they need to communicate. Airwave was introduced in 2007 as part of the Firelink project for "blue light" services, fire services and police.

The Fire Control Collaboration are required to procure DCS Ports to enable Control Room communications connecting to the new mobilising system. Without a DCS connection it would not be possible for any FCC member to communicate over the Airwave network or ESN once available.

Airwave currently hold an exclusive contract with the Home Office in accordance with the Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP). As a result of the contract with the Home Office, Airwave is the only company able to provide DCS ports required by the HCC Fire and Rescue Service. As a result of the contractual arrangements put in place by the Home Office, the Contract has been awarded to Airwave in accordance with Regulation 32 (2)(b)(ii) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.