Provision of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Scientific Advisory Services, HAZMAT / Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) Training

Description

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is seeking to appoint suitably qualified and experienced service providers to deliver a multi‑lot contract covering: (1) the provision of 24/7 Scientific Advisory Response and Reach‑Back services to support operational HAZMAT and DIM incidents across Scotland; (2) the delivery of accredited HAZMAT training at Acquisition and Refresher levels; and (3) the delivery of Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) Full Accreditation and Refresher training for specialist SFRS personnel. The contract will support national operational resilience, ensure timely access to specialist scientific advice, and maintain the professional competence of HAZMAT and DIM Officers through structured, accredited training programmes. Lot 1: Scientific Advisory Response and Reach Back Services Lot 1 covers the provision of a 24‑hours‑a‑day, 365‑days‑a‑year Scientific Advisory Response and Reach‑Back capability to support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) during hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) related incidents across Scotland. The appointed Service Provider will supply suitably qualified Scientific Advisors who can deliver timely on‑site scientific support within defined maximum response times, as well as remote Reach‑Back assistance for operational personnel managing HAZMAT or DIM events. Services include incident risk assessment, interpretation of chemical, radiological and environmental information, technical advice on containment, decontamination, PPE, hazard zones, and the use of SFRS‑provided analytical and monitoring equipment. The Supplier will also be responsible for maintaining operational readiness, ensuring all advisors remain competent in the use of specialist SFRS equipment, and providing all required incident reports, data returns and performance information. The service must operate consistently under both emergency and spate conditions, with sufficient resilience to meet concurrent demand across all regions of Scotland. Lot 2: HAZMAT Training Lot 2 covers the delivery of accredited Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) training for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) personnel at both Acquisition and Refresher levels. The appointed Service Provider will design, deliver and maintain high‑quality training programmes that develop and sustain the operational competence of SFRS HAZMAT Officers. Training must combine theoretical instruction with practical learning, incorporating the use of specialist equipment, nationally recognised guidance and safe systems of work relevant to HAZMAT incident response. The Provider will be responsible for ensuring all trainers are suitably qualified, maintain up‑to‑date technical knowledge and are capable of delivering training to nationally accredited standards. The service includes the provision of all required course materials, assessment processes, student records, and reporting to SFRS. Training may be delivered at SFRS training facilities across Scotland or, where required, at the Provider’s own suitably equipped facilities. The Provider must also support ongoing updates to course content to reflect emerging risks, new equipment, changes in legislation or operational best practice. Lot 3: DIM Training Lot 3 covers the delivery of specialist Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) training for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) personnel, including both Full Accreditation and Refresher level programmes. The appointed Service Provider will develop and deliver high‑quality training that equips DIM Advisors with the technical skills required to safely and effectively operate SFRS DIM equipment and to interpret scientific information during HAZMAT and CBRN‑related incidents. Training must combine theoretical instruction with practical exercises using relevant monitoring and analytical equipment, ensuring learners can support incident commanders through accurate detection, sampling, analysis and hazard assessment. The Provider must ensure that all trainers are appropriately qualified, maintain current technical knowledge, and deliver training in line with national guidance, best practice and SFRS operational requirements. The service includes the provision of all course materials, assessment and accreditation processes, training records, and reporting to SFRS. Providers must also update training content and delivery methods to incorporate new DIM equipment entering service during the contract period, ensuring alignment with SFRS policies, procedures and safe systems of work.