The Supply of Tetra Based Device to Device Remote Speaker Microphone (RSM) for use with LTE Handheld Mobile Devices on the Emergency Services Network (ESN)

ESMCP plans to enter into a market engagement exercise to discuss its potential requirements with potential suppliers in the market of provision of device to device communications such that the Authority may establish a commercial strategy for the supply of its potential requirements. The market engagement exercise does not form part of the potential procurement process or obligate the Authority into any action.

The ESMCP aims to provide an integrated critical voice and broadband data communications service for the Emergency Services in Great Britain that meets the public safety requirements for coverage, functionality, availability and security. The chosen technology is based on an enhanced commercial network that is configured to give the 3 Emergency Services (the "3ES") priority over other users. ESMCP completed those procurements under OJEU Contract Notice reference 2014/S 077-133654.

Additional information on the Authority and the main ESN procurement can be found at http://ow.ly/JAPp100Blvo

Within the Authority, the Devices projects have the responsibility to provide User Organisations with fully approved handheld devices, which have been tested to ensure that they deliver the performance and functionality for ESN, and do not pose a risk to the security or integrity of the service. The User Organisations requiring LTE Mobile Handheld Devices and Accessories for the Emergency Services Network (ESN) includes Police, Fire, Ambulance, other non-Authority Police services and Other organisations that currently utilise TETRA.

The Authority undertook a procurement for the award of a contract to a single provider, Samsung (UK) Limited under a framework agreement to supply "ESN ready" ruggedized handheld devices in 2017 and that framework agreement continues to operate for use by ESN user organisations. Under the framework agreement, Samsung developed and tested a ruggedized handheld device to ESN requirements to be supplied for testing ESN and to be supplied to User Organisations for use on ESN.

The Authority user requirements call for a 'device-to-device' (RSM/D2D) mode of operation for local communication without reliance on the network. In normal operation the RSM/D2D Device acts as an RSM coupled to the ESN LTE Device. The long-term proposal for LTE is to use 3GPP Proximity Services (ProSe) to address this requirement. However, this cannot be implemented within the Authority timescales (for reasons including the immaturity of the standards and the lack of support in current devices and networks). An alternative solution is therefore required to meet the D2D user requirement until such time as a standards-based ProSe solution can be introduced.

With the exception of D2D, the principal communications features will be provided by the ESN LTE handheld device, and the interim D2D/RSM solution is expected to consist of a device, which will supplement the ESN device's functionality as an integrated unit.

Additional information: A Request for Information (RFI) is to be provided to interested suppliers containing a number of questions that the Authority welcomes response to. The RFI closing date for receipt of responses will be 5pm on 5 February 2020 after which the Project will utilise the information to inform its discussions internally and for the purpose of market engagement meetings with potential suppliers.

The Authority wishes to engage on a one-to-one basis with Potential Suppliers that demonstrate that they are capable of providing the required devices, following receipt of a response to this RFI. Accordingly, the Authority will contact Potential Suppliers to arrange meetings where it considers it necessary to do so once an RFI response is received and has been reviewed. Market engagement meetings are due to take place between 20 January 2020 until 12 February 2020.

Expressions of Interest to participate in this market engagement activity should be made by e-mailing: [email protected]

Following receipt of an Expression of Interest the Authority will send a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to the supplier to complete and return to the same e-mail address. Once the NDA has been returned and verified by the Authority, the supplier will be provided with access to the RFI through the Bravo e-Sourcing Portal. See the following guidance with regard to accessing the Bravo system.

Bravo Registration: Registering for the Bravo system is only required once. If you are already registered then you do not need to register again, however you do still need to express your interest in this particular market engagement activity as outlined above.

To register on Bravo, suppliers are to complete the following: a) Click the -click here to register- link. b) Accept the terms and conditions and click -continue-. c) Enter your business and user details. d) Note the username you use and click -save- when complete. e) You will then receive an e-mail with your unique password. Access to the RFI documentation: a) Login to the eSourcing portal with your unique username and password. b) Click on the PQQs open to all suppliers link. c) Click on the relevant titled item. d) Click the express interest button in the -actions- box on the left-hand side of the page (this will move the SQ (containing the RFI) into the economic operators my PQQ box). This is a secure area for projects only. e) Download the documents relating to the RFI to access. Click on the bold and underlined filename. Select -save- and store on your PC. Responding to the RFI: a) Economic operators will then be able to use the messages functions to communicate with ESMCP and seek any clarifications that may be required. b) Please note the deadline for completion of the RFI, this is a precise time and the eSourcing portal will reject the economic operators submission if it is submitted after this time.For further assistance contact the BravoSolution helpdesk - 0800 368 4850.