HO3 Body Armour

The authority will be undertaking a multi-stage restricted procedure procurement. To join the procurement, bidders must submit an expression of interest via the Coupa eSourcing platform. The platform is due to open for submissions of expressions of interest at the beginning of July. This procurement will have four stages. Firstly, bidders will be expected to answer selection questions assessing their company background, financial health, insurances and experience (Selection Questions). Bidders that pass this stage will then progress to the second stage where they will be expected to provide confirmation documentation that their product meets the HO3 standard***. Once confirmed, bidders with a compliant product will progress to the third stage where their ability to provide the goods and wraparound service will be evaluated. The Authority then reserves the right to downselect the highest performing bidders from the previous stage and progress these to the final physical testing stage of the procurement. This stage will encorporate a full performance assessment (a range day), human factors testing, an end user assessment, as well as social value and pricing assessments. A cumulative score of all these stages will be used to inform the award decision. Evaluation criteria for all stages after the first stage (Selection Questions) will be made available upon down selection of the suitable bidders.

***Documentation demonstrating the product meeting the HO3 standard must be provided by an accredited test house, listed at https://ped-cast.homeoffice.gov.uk/index.php/test_houses

Additional information: Please see questions from the market and their answers below: Q: Will the plate be used standalone, or in conjunction with soft armour? A: The CTSFO specification requires a 'stand-alone' not 'in conjunction with' plate. Operationally, officers are likely to wear HO1 covert armour underneath the HO3 plate, so the manufacturer will need to be aware of this.

Q:Is there a maximum weight? Is there a maximum thickness? A: Any plate that meets the HO3 standard (Home Office Body Armour Standard (2017)) will be considered. The manufacturer will need to offer a wide range of sizes both appropriate for male and female anatomical shaping. Size range (smallest to largest) must be accredited to HO3 standard. The manufacturer will need to ensure the accredited plate is light and thin as possible, whilst still meeting the HO3 accreditation. We anticipate this to be within the realms of 23mm - 27mm in thickness.