Purpose

The Fire & Rescue Service
currently has a pool of 40 cars, used by officers to perform
statutory operational management duties.  Thirty-eight of the current vehicles are leased
and contracts are either due to expire or have already
expired.  Two cars are owned by the
County Council but are in need of
replacement.
 
In addition, the National Fire
Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance on driving emergency vehicles is
also changing and a further car is required to enable Operational
Training to effectively train officers in ‘blue light’
driving.
 
Replacement vehicles will be
procured in phases, subject to the market at the time of
purchase.  This cost includes work to
fit blue lights, sirens and emergency communications’
technology.
 

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire
and Rescue has approved the award by the Assistant Director for
Fire (Strategy, Improvement and Assurance) of the contract for 41
officer vehicles at the conclusion of the procurement process (via
a Framework Agreement) in accordance with the evaluation and tender
requirements described, and within the financial parameters set out
in the report.