Lithium Ion Battery Recharge and Storage for Hand Tools Including Breakers Floor Saws Drills Grinders etc

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Preliminary Market Engagement Notice – Lithium Ion Battery Recharge and Storage for Hand Tools Including Breakers Floor Saws Drills Grinders etc Reference SMBC 25059 Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (“SMBC”) Highways & Grounds Maintenance Teams, based at Taylors Lane Depot, Oldbury, is conducting a Preliminary Market Engagement (“PME”) exercise to engage with suitably qualified/experienced suppliers, who can work with the team to determine current and future requirements for the charging and storage of (mainly) Lithium Ion batteries, used in our hand tools, including Breakers, Floor Saws, Drills, Grinders, etc. The purpose of this PME is to engage and seek feedback from suitably qualified/experienced suppliers, for charging and storage of Lithium batteries, used for their hand tools. Please Note: This PME notice is not a call for competition. Contract Dates (estimated) Estimated to commence September 2026. Description We recognise that Lithium batteries are now more widely used as effective and efficient power sources for a wide range of electric equipment and although safe, lithium batteries can be a potential fire risk if damaged or overheated and that lithium fires are quick to spread through a chemical reaction which causes thermal runaway and are difficult to extinguish. We currently have approximately 40 chargers and in excess of 80 batteries, however we expect this to increase as we move away from tools/equipment with internal combustion engines, in favour of battery operated. Participation SMBC Invites Interest from potential suppliers. Applicants that respond, will be required to visit the Depot and meet with a small group of employees, to discuss and develop a specification for a future procurement exercise. There is no commitment to purchase. To arrange a visit please contact: Tim Pitt Email: Tim1_pitt@sandwell.gov.uk Engagement Deadline Responses should be submitted by 5PM Friday 20 June 2025 The engagement process is being carried out using the Council’s procurement portal https://in-tendhost.co.uk/sandwellmbc/aspx/Home