We’re asking all new and existing suppliers to register with the SAP Business Network.
On 24th February 2025, the rules that govern our procurement processes changed. For information, click this link for suppliers.
We spend over £90 million each year on a wide range of goods, services and works.
As a public sector organisation, the way in which we procure is governed by internal regulations and national and European legislation.
The London Fire Commissioner's Procurement Standing Orders set out the internal policy by which we spend money on goods, services and works to ensure contracts are awarded to suppliers that are financially, commercially and technically capable of delivering requirements to maximise value for money.
Depending on the contract value, we adhere to a framework of legislation and processes, which includes:
To obtain the best value, all of our procurement activity is subject to reasonable competition and where appropriate we utilise framework agreements and contracts awarded by other bodies on behalf of public sector authorities e.g. Crown Commercial Service, Kent County Council, the Fire Consortium and others. In addition we undertake collaborative procurement with other fire authorities, emergency services, local authorities, the GLA Group and other public bodies.
Fair and appropriate levels of competition regardless of the contract value is our default approach to award of contracts.
The Commissioner’s Procurement Standing Orders specify the minimum levels of competition that must be followed for different contract values.
Subject to Procurement Act 2023, all exceptions to competition are subject to scrutiny and approval by the appropriate governance level.
We advertise and manage all tender opportunities on the In-tend E-tendering Portal (see accompanying Guide).
We do not respond to unsolicited emails or telephone calls. We encourage all companies wishing to work with us to register with the Central Digital Platform.
Any supplier interested in pursuing business opportunities with us should visit this link for suppliers.
Instructions on how to participate in and respond to competitive opportunities are detailed in all advertisements and the documents for competition. You are advised to read these carefully and use any clarification period to raise any questions you may have to which we will respond accordingly.
The Terms and Conditions applicable to a contract will vary depending on the requirement and the procurement approach e.g. for a contract awarded under a framework, the framework call off Terms and Conditions will apply.
All Terms and Conditions will be issued during the competitive process for potential suppliers to review before submitting a proposal.
Except where there is a written contract signed by both parties, the standard Purchase Order Terms and Conditions shall apply to all purchase orders sent by the Brigade.
In line with the Local Government Transparency Code, we publish details of tenders and contracts for any contracts of a value of £5,000 or more.
To access data relating to our tenders or contracts with a value of £10,000 or more, and details of the purchase orders with a value of £5,000 or more, see the data published quarterly on the London DataStore.
To request copies of the tender/contract documents, email infoaccess@london-fire.gov.uk.
Responsible Procurement is the purchase of goods, works and services in an environmentally and socially responsible way that delivers value for money and benefits the local community.
Our approach to Responsible Procurement corresponds to how we deliver social value through procurement. Find out more about how sustainability is delivered in the procurement of goods and services in our Sustainability section.