Modern Fire Fighting Strategy - Phase 2 Urban Fire Fighting Training Provision

The London Fire Commissioner is undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise to inform the development of a future procurement strategy for the provision of specialist urban firefighting training facilities and associated support services.

The purpose of this engagement is to better understand current market capability, capacity, commercial models and potential delivery approaches capable of supporting London Fire Brigade's Modern Firefighting Strategy Phase 2 programme.

The Brigade anticipates delivering advanced operational firefighting training to approximately 4,800 operational firefighters and 200 officer observations over a three-year ( one year with option to extend by a further two years subject to funding) programme commencing in Q1 2027.

We are particularly interested in engaging with organisations capable of providing some or all of the following:

• Specialist live fire training facilities.
• Carbonaceous fire behaviour training environments.
• Advanced fire behaviour and tactical firefighting facilities.
• Basement fire training facilities.
• Tactical ventilation training facilities.
• Fire compartments capable of venting gases and smoke to atmosphere.
• Temperature monitoring and environmental monitoring systems.
• Residential accommodation.
• Catering and welfare facilities.
• Structural firefighting PPE and associated laundering and maintenance services.
• Operational support infrastructure, including equipment storage and breathing apparatus support services.

LFB's current preference is to explore a model whereby London Fire Brigade instructors design and deliver the training, whilst the supplier provides facilities, accommodation, catering, welfare, PPE and logistical support services. However, suppliers are invited to provide feedback on alternative delivery models that may improve value for money, resilience, innovation or operational effectiveness.

As part of this engagement, suppliers are invited to provide feedback on:

• Market capability and capacity.
• Mobilisation requirements.
• Commercial and contractual models.
• Pricing structures and key cost drivers.
• Capacity and resilience risks.
• Sustainability and social value opportunities.
• Innovation and emerging technologies.
• Any aspects of the proposed requirement that may impact competition or market participation.

This engagement is not a Call for Competition and does not form part of any formal procurement process. Information gathered will be used solely to inform the future procurement strategy, commercial approach and specification development.

Participation in this exercise will not provide any supplier with an advantage in any future procurement process.

We would be grateful if your organisation could review the accompanying PME Pack and complete the associated questionnaire by 5th October 2026 deadline. The pre-market engagement pack and questionnaire can be accessed and downloaded from https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/publictenders