TST Systems selected by Home Officer crucial role
TST Systems Limited (“TST”) has been selected by the Home Office as a Framework Supplier of Fixed Vehicle Devices (FVD) and Accessories to the Emergency Services Network as part of ESMCP, with a potential supply of up to 40,000 units worth £90M. The Framework provides hardware and support services for in-vehicle mobile voice and data equipment, approved for use on the Emergency Services Network (ESN).
The FVD is a vehicle mounted radio and control unit which enables secure and resilient mission critical communication via the ESN using externally mounted antennas for maximum coverage. As well as providing voice services, the FVD provides a modern platform for additional data applications and services. The FVD uses a modular approach, so is able to support marine and motorcycle users, as well as being compatible with existing audio accessories.
The procurement establishes a Framework Agreement for the Authority and nominated ESN User Organisations (UOs) to procure FVD units and support and warranty services for use on the ESN.
The ESN system, a first of its type worldwide, will provide mission critical push-to-talk voice and high-speed data services over LTE (Long Term Evolution) for all UK emergency service vehicles. Deliveries for testing and trials are scheduled for the latter half of 2020, with roll-out scheduled to be in early 2021.
The procurement was launched in April 2019 via formal OJEU contract notice 2019/S 073-173137 announcing the Programme’s intention to establish a Framework Agreement for the Authority and nominated UOs to procure the required goods and services for use on the ESN. The Framework Agreement comprises multiple suppliers with a call-off period of 5 years with the option to extend for up to an additional 2 years. The contract includes on-going service management but excludes vehicle installations.
Simon Clifton, Chief Executive Operator of TST Systems, said, “This contract award establishes TST Systems as a market leader in critical communications LTE devices for vehicle users. We are proud to offer next-generation mobile devices to the UK emergency services, which will offer critical voice communications over ESN, telematics, and both wired and wireless Ethernet data connectivity around the vehicle, all within a single unit. We are excited to be involved in transitioning users to LTE, enabling new voice and data services along with many other capabilities whilst maintaining compatibility with existing vehicle systems.
