Public sector procurement organisation YPO has announced the launch of its new Drones and Associated Products and Services framework for the emergency services and wider public sector.
It said the move is the first of its kind and follows an approach by the Home Office to discuss a gap in public procurement.
YPO described the framework as a tool to support the emergency services, blue light and other public sector bodies in purchasing drones and associated products and services.
Customers will be able to purchase drones and their accessories, whilst having access to other services such as the hire of drones and their pilots to inspect buildings or landscaping, drone repairs and maintenance, training services and licensing.
The organisation said that previously public sector organisations looking to purchase drones have been unable to do so through a compliant route to the market.
It has worked with the Home Office, the police and the fire and rescue services to agree on the structure of the framework.
Police and fire support
The move has won expressions of support from senior officials in emergency services. Mark Callaghan, national police drones operational lead and Tim Murrell, national fire operational lead said: “The National Police Chiefs Council and National Fire Chiefs Council are pleased to have the support of YPO in developing the national drone procurement framework.
“Having a framework in place enables forces and services to purchase or hire drones ancillary equipment and services more efficiently, providing best value.”
Image by Henrique Boney, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
