Royal Navy Firefighting Helmet and Communication System Replacement

The National Armaments Director Group is seeking a commercially available firefighting helmet with integrated communication system for Royal Navy vessels. The solution must include a bone-conducting microphone, speaker(s), and wired push-to-talk functionality, fully compatible with Motorola R7Ex radios. The helmet must integrate seamlessly with existing Royal Navy firefighting personal protective equipment including breathing apparatus, hoods, and protective clothing, while meeting BS EN 443:2008, BS EN 14458:2018, Marine Equipment Regulations, and ATEX safety standards. Key requirements include Marine Equipment Regulations approval, intrinsically safe components, single-handed operation capability while wearing full protective gear, and effective speech transmission during firefighting activities. Tenderers must provide comprehensive certification, compatibility documentation, test evidence, and performance data. This single-contract award will be made through an open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 defence and security provisions. Suppliers must complete the Supplier Assurance Questionnaire and provide a Cyber Improvement Plan (Cyber Risk Profile Level 0).