Supplier of Level 2 Personal Protective Clothing announced
Following a six-month procurement process, we can announce that Totalcare has been awarded the contract to supply our Level 2 Personal Protective Clothing and associated logistics.
Trial participants
This will be a continuation of our longstanding and effective relationship with this supplier.
The Level 2 Personal Protective Clothing Procurement Project (L2PP) was set up to conduct an open and competitive tender to establish a long-term contract with a strategic supplier or suppliers, to deliver fit for purpose Level 2 Structural personal protective garments and associated logistics for Fire and Emergency.
The aim was to ensure that the garments provided the required level of protection for our firefighters (from both fire and carcinogens) and consider a number of other factors such as gender diversity, comfort, and range of movement.
The procurement process started in May when we sought interest from suppliers and shortlisted those who closely offered what we were seeking. Following supplier presentations and reference checks, we then had 16 trialists complete three days of testing garments at NTC in late August. Trial participants were selected by the L2PPC Working Group to represent the diverse ethnicity, gender, body shape, rank, and role of our firefighters.
The Working Group (which included union and association representatives and PPE/PPC experts) identified activities for the PPC to be put through which covered fit, simulated task, and live fire exercises to gather information on the garments’ function and suitability for Fire and Emergency firefighters.
The project’s Evaluation Panel then considered the supplier presentations, reference checks, best and final offers (BAFO), and the results of the trial before recommending the preferred supplier as Totalcare.
Ken Cooper, National Manager Response Capability and Project Sponsor, said it was a good result for Fire and Emergency and for Totalcare.
‘We have had a longstanding relationship with this supplier, and we are pleased they have demonstrated that they can continue to supply quality garments that meet the diverse needs of all our firefighters.’
The second iteration of the LHD Kiwi 2.0 will be introduced by Totalcare as it is required by personnel. Please refer to National Notice 002/2024.
We have also agreed to progress several joint initiatives with the supplier including Research and Development focused on improving our Diversity and Inclusion outcomes and an initiative to ensure we have a common understanding of Level 2 garment fitting and wearing expectations.
The project would like to thank the working group, trial firefighters, support crew and NTC team for their mahi, collaboration, and professionalism which ensured the trial was safe and thorough.