Scope
Reference
HSE/T4806
Description
In the upcoming changes to Approved Document B (ADB) the national fire test standards will be removed. This will mean the only route to compliance when assessing the reaction to fire classification of construction products in ADB is using the Euro classification system. This classification system is defined in BS EN 13501-1 and one of the standard tests within this series of tests is referred to as the Single Burning Item test (SBI).
The SBI test, described by BS EN 13823, is needed to classify all non-flooring products into classes A2, B, C and D of the European Commission construction products directive. These classes cover most products intended for building and construction end-use.
The SBI test is a method of test for determining the reaction to fire behaviour of building products when exposed to thermal attack by a single burning item comprising a standard propane burner. The reaction of the product to the burner is monitored with instruments, and the heat and smoke release rates and physical characteristics are assessed by observation.
HSE SD provides expert guidance and opinion, and technical support, to the Building Safety Division (BSD), as well as overseeing research projects focused on the building and construction subject area.
To assist the technical policy team within BSD in developing guidance and allow HSE SD to support BSD, the product assessment regulator and construction industries, with research around this test standard. HSE SD requires a SBI test facility to test and assess the fire behaviour of building and construction products against the classification criteria requirements in BS EN 13823.
Total value (estimated)
- £232,500 excluding VAT
- £279,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 October 2025 to 13 October 2025
- 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38540000 - Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
19 September 2025, 1:00pm
Tender submission deadline
26 September 2025, 1:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
All tender documents are available via the HSE In-Tend supplier e-procurement portal. All responses and requests for clarification must be submitted via the portal. Registration is free of charge and can be completed via the following link:
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
10 October 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | The successful supplier will be selected based on the appropriateness of the suggested product to HSE's needs combined with an assessment of the cost against other tender submissions. This means that... |
Quality |
Weighting description
The successful supplier will be selected based on the appropriateness of the suggested product to HSE's needs combined with an assessment of the cost against other tender submissions. This means that the lowest bid may not necessarily be accepted.
Of particular interest will be:
• how the equipment complies with BS EN 13823
• Output data, its accuracy and format
• How the equipment will interface to the existing infrastructure, particularly the exhaust/ventilation requirements and methods. It...
Other information
Payment terms
HSE is unable to agree to any advance payment prior to shipment. This approach does not align with Government procurement terms. As a Government department backed by the Treasury, HSE does not present a credit risk to suppliers.
If a bidder expresses interest in this opportunity but requires an upfront payment, they must disclose this during the Q&A stage. In such cases, the matter would need to be escalated to HSE's Finance Director for consideration. Should the Finance Director approve the request, an amendment to the tender would be published to indicate that upfront payment is acceptable, allowing the bidder to proceed. However, such approval is considered unlikely.
Any supplier submitting a bid that includes an upfront payment requirement without explicit prior approval from HSE will have their submission disqualified.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Health and Safety Executive
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBXM-4389-TXVZ
Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside
Liverpool
L20 7HS
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@hse.gov.uk
Region: UKD73 - Sefton
Organisation type: Public authority - central government