Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has launched an early market engagement exercise ahead of the forthcoming procurement of underwater drones with a total estimated value of £120,000 (including VAT).

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NFRS is conducting the engagement to better understand the technologies, products and services currently available within the market that could support surface-based subsurface search, identification and recovery operations.

The engagement forms part of NFRS's ongoing commitment to improving firefighter safety, enhancing operational effectiveness and exploring innovative methods of locating, identifying and recovering submerged casualties and objects in a range of water environments.

Current estimated start and end contract dates are 4 January 2027 to 3 January 2031, with a further

possible extension to 2 January 2032. Engagement deadline is 16 October 2026. Estimated publication date of a formal tender notice is 31 December 2026.

This PME is being undertaken via the NFRS e-procurement portal In-Tend. Click here to access the NFRS e-procurement portal to respond, express an interest and download the documents. All responses and queries/ question must be made via the portal available via the following link:

https://supplier.in-tend.co.uk/notts-fire/home