ACTIVE PCP - Pre-CommerciAl ProCuremenT of Innovative Personal ProtectiVe Equipment for First REsponders

ACTIVE PCP is a Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) project that will procure R&D services to develop innovative Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) solutions for first responders, with a primary focus on firefighters and police (and broader first responder applicability where relevant). The procurement process is preceded by market consultation activities to ensure the tender is grounded in real operational needs and informed by market capabilities. First responder organisations, including police forces and firefighters, are confronted with an evolving landscape of threats, including complex CBRNE and hazardous material (HAZMAT) environments. These situations can result from terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, or incidents involving dangerous goods and require highly effective protection under demanding operational conditions. PPE is a critical enabler for safe and effective response. However, current PPE solutions still show important shortcomings and gaps that increasingly matter in real operations. ACTIVE PCP addresses this by running an innovation procurement process for R&D services aimed at significantly improving PPE performance, usability and operational suitability for first responders.

ACTIVE PCP is currently in the Open Market Consultation (OMC) phase. The upcoming
OMCs will bring together suppliers and end-users/procurers to:

• confirm and refine the key challenges and needs that the tender should address,
• collect market insights on existing and emerging solutions, constraints and feasibility,
• support a well-informed procurement strategy and tender documentation.

Participation in the OMC(s) is open to relevant stakeholders and is particularly encouraged
for:

• technology providers and solution developers (SMEs, startups and industry),
• PPE system integrators and specialised component providers,
• testing/certification and standardisation-related organisations where relevant.
• End-users such as public authorities, first responders, law enforcement, fire & rescue services and emergency medical services involved in the use or provision of PPE.

Why participate in the OMC?

• You will learn about the upcoming Call for Tenders (expected to be launched in July 2026).
• You will have the chance to give feedback on the needs and draft requirements.
• You will provide your perspective by responding to the Request for Information (RFI) questionnaire.
• You will have the opportunity to take part in matchmaking to build or join consortia, via the Innovation Procurement Platform.

OMC Registration: REGISTRATION

When are the OMC Events?

• Greece & Cyprus (Greek) | 27 April 2026, 10.00 – 12.00 CET (online)
• Germany & Austria (German) | 28 April 2026, 10.00 – 12.00 CET (online)
• Lithuania (Lithuanian) | 29 April 2026, 10.00 – 12.00 EET (hybrid)
• Spain (Spanish) | 30 April 2026, 10.00 – 12.00 CET (online)
• International (English) | 7 May 2026 10.00 – 12.00 CET (Brussels + online)

Agenda (national OMC)

• Welcome & opening remarks
• Explanation of the ACTIVE PCP project (rationale, use cases & requirements, PCP process)
• OMC objectives and activities
• Presentation of the innovation procurement platform
• Presentation of the state-of-the-art analysis results
• Interactive session
• Conclusions and next steps

Additional Matchmaking session in international OMC:

• Presentation by suppliers of their company and capabilities
• Matchmaking session (onsite only)

Call for Tenders: upcoming – June 2026

 

Tender Issuer / Contact
KENTRO MELETON ASFALEIAS (KEMEA) (Lead Procurer)
in cooperation with SYNYO (Project Coordinator)
For questions related to consultation participation: [email protected]