Cheshire Fire Authority Incident Command Training 5_tender... · 2016-11-09 · 2A. Delivery of Incident Command Training . The Fire Service College (FSC), with our proven capability

Cheshire Fire Authority Incident Command Training

Fire Service College Ltd

10th June 2016

© Fire Service College Commercial in Confidence

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Foreword

The Fire Service College Ltd is pleased to present our proposal to Cheshire Fire Authority in response to

ITT 334 Incident Command Training for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. Our comprehensive

submission is supported by the following:

Online responses to Selection Criteria Questions (section 4)

FSC Standard Terms and Conditions for CFA consideration (section 7)

Completed Pricing and Payment (section 9)

Signed Confidentiality and Non Disclosure Agreement (section 10)

Completed Form of Tender (section 11)

FSC contact details

Please note below relevant FSC contact details in relation to this tender:

Bid Manager Kimberley Seville [email protected]

Sales Account Manager Matt Wroughton [email protected]

Business Development Director

Paul Crowe [email protected]

Training Manager Robin Whittington [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




© Fire Service College Commercial in Confidence

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Contents

Foreword ................................................................................................................................................... 2

Contents................................................................................................................................................... 3

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 4

Our solution .............................................................................................................................................. 4

Section 5: Tender Criteria Evaluation Methodology .............................................................................. 6

Question 1: Tendered Price....................................................................................................................... 6

Question 2: Quality and Delivery ............................................................................................................... 7

Question 3: Service Level Indicators (SLI’s) .............................................................................................. 9

Question 4: Management Information (MI) .............................................................................................. 10

Section 7: Terms and Conditions .......................................................................................................... 11

Section 9: Pricing and Payments .......................................................................................................... 11

Pricing proposal (excl. VAT) ................................................................................................................... 12

Course specification .............................................................................................................................. 13

Course Description .................................................................................................................................. 13

Delegate Numbers .................................................................................................................................. 13

Learning Outcomes ................................................................................................................................. 14

Assessment Criteria ................................................................................................................................ 14

Kit and Equipment ................................................................................................................................... 16

Health, Safety and Welfare ..................................................................................................................... 17

Accommodation and Catering ................................................................................................................. 17

Case study experience ........................................................................................................................... 19

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AFRS) ....................................................................................................... 19

Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service (WFRS) ......................................................................................... 20

Tri-Service Training Event ....................................................................................................................... 20

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) .............................................................................................. 21

Appendices

Appendix A: Sample Course Timetable

Appendix B: Sample TG4

Appendix C: Sample Risk Assessment

Appendix D: Sample Safety Brief Declaration Form

© Fire Service College Commercial in Confidence Page 4 of 21

Executive Summary



Section 5: Tender Criteria Evaluation Methodology

Question 1: Tendered Price

The prices quoted at Section 9 of this document are based on the following requirements as specified by

the Authority and examined by the FSC:

Delivery of 4 courses per year of contract with a maximum of 30 attendees per course and a minimum

of 24 attendees

Provision of single occupancy ensuite accommodation for 2 nights per course for a maximum of 30

attendees and a minimum of 24 attendees

Provision of meals, packed lunches and mid-morning snacks as specified Friday – Sunday of each

course for a maximum of 30 attendees

6 fully equipped appliances to the standard required to complete the training

Provision of all Road Traffic Collision and other equipment necessary for each element of the training

programme

Provision of 4 breathing apparatus sets on each appliance and other associated equipment including

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Provision of 6 appliances, 3 minibuses and 2 BA trailers for the duration of each course to facilitate the

timely movement of personnel and equipment


Question 2: Quality and Delivery

2A. Delivery of Incident Command Training

The Fire Service College (FSC), with our proven capability in designing, delivering and assessing dynamic

Incident Command courses for a range of Fire and Rescue Services is uniquely placed to meet the

Authority’s specification and requirements. Our capability is evidenced in Case Studies of our past

experience and the Course Specification within this document.

The FSC will appoint a qualified and experienced Course Director to coordinate the smooth and successful

implementation of the training requirement, responsible for:

Maintaining close liaison with Cheshire FRS and the Authority’s Group Manager for Operational

Assurance.

Review and adapt, where necessary, training scenarios in consultation with Cheshire FRS to facilitate

timely rotation and rejuvenation of exercises.

Collaboratively designing new scenarios targeting emerging trends and new threats

Chair an annual Review Meeting with Cheshire FRS to formally review the performance of the Contract

and identify any opportunities for improvement and cost savings.

Liaise with all appropriate FSC departments to ensure:

─ Qualified Assessors and Role Players are allocated to the courses

─ Appropriate training venues are secured to meet Learning Outcomes

─ Course material is provided

─ Appliances and equipment are secured for deployment

─ Risk Assessments and Safety Briefing documentation is current

─ Accommodation, catering and transport requirements are satisfied


─ Contingency plans are in place to ensure training requirements are met, e.g. access to alternative

venues, replacement appliances and equipment etc.

We recognise the value to providing consistency amongst our Incident Command delivery team. Continuity

and resilience is assured through the utilisation of a Course Directors Aide Memoire to ensure agreed

delivery standards are maintained. This enables any one of a number of staff, experienced in the role to act

as Course Director if succession is required.

Training will be delivered through a series of practical exercises utilising our range of Incident Ground

facilities. This will provide immersive and realistic learning and development opportunities for Commanders

across a range of incidents. For example:

Carbonaceous fires - domestic, commercial and transport (road, rail, air, marine)

Flammable liquid fires - oil, petrol, LPG, foam attack

Hazardous materials - simulated leaks of gases, liquids and solids including radiation

Technical rescue - working at height/line rescue, RTC, confined space

Our scenarios are designed to enable Commanders to practise and develop decision making skills in a

challenging environment with competing demands. The use of experienced Role Players enhances the

realism of the learning experience giving the Commanders a wide range of ‘characters’ to interact with.

Commanders will be assessed against National Occupational Standards WM.7 on four occasions; twice as

Incident Commander (ICL1) and twice as supporting Appliance/Sector Commander (ICL2). Our Assessors

will hold a professional discussion with the delegate and provide constructive feedback to assist them in

their development.

Every assessment will be recorded and each delegate will be rated in accordance with Cheshire FRS

methodology. The outcomes of each course will be discussed with the Authority’s Group Manager for

Operational Assurance to ensure desired Learning Outcomes are achieved.


2B. Contractual Compliance

We would like to discuss with the Authority the appropriate terms and conditions to utilise under this

proposed Contract. In view of the nature of the services we are providing, we would propose that it would

be more appropriate to utilise the FSC standard terms address which reflect issues relevant to both parties

including health and safety, accommodation and conduct of attendees. A copy is attached for the

Authority’s consideration.

Question 3: Service Level Indicators (SLI’s)

The Fire Service College (FSC) operates an ISO certified Quality Management System which incorporates

the reporting and monitoring of delegate feedback and performance. The process is managed by our

Business Assurance Team consistently across our Contracts. On occasions, where clients require a more

tailored reporting approach, we adapt our existing indicator system to align more closely with their

requirements.

Typically, delegates complete an online questionnaire through our ‘My Learning Portal’ before departing the

College. Feedback is measured on a 5-point scale of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor and Very Poor.

Data collected informs our monthly management reporting KPI’s and is subject to an automated Red,

Amber, Green (RAG) indicator system which visually displays our performance across a standard set of

criteria, namely:

Training delivery including overall learning experience, assessment performance, scenarios, equality

and diversity

Guest services including accommodation and catering

Facilities and infrastructure including internet connectivity, security, sports and welfare

In order to achieve Green status at least 80% of delegates must rate the FSC as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’

against all of the above criteria. Client-specific summary reports can be provided on completion of the

reporting process by agreed timescales.

We recommend that this process is adopted by Cheshire FRS in order to benefit from the Management

Information which can be provided, should delegates complete their feedback through our online reporting

system. A summary report can be provided to the Authority’s Group Manager for Operational Assurance

after each course including statistics, graphs and commentary, to be agreed.


Question 4: Management Information (MI)

Key to our Management Information System (MIS) is the collation and analysis of qualitative and

quantitative data driven by KPIs which reflect service quality and delegate satisfaction. Course feedback

forms a cornerstone of the system, all information being managed in accordance with Data Protection

legislation and best practice. System flexibility enables adaptation to meet specific client requirements.

Tools used include:

Statement of Works - summarising contractual requirements and agreed delivery methods

Delegate Feedback - consolidated performance reports

Issue Log - identifying trends to improve service quality

Course Review documentation - including tutor observations (internal only)

For larger contracts, or on specific request, we also provide a tailored Balanced Scorecard recording

monthly and year to date performance in areas of service delivery defined by the client.

Examples include:

Customer Perspective - satisfaction with all aspects of the learning experience

Internal Processes - e.g. delegate feedback completion rates, timely dispatch of Learner Performance

Reports and certificates, etc.

Learning and Growth - e.g. assessment results (pass rates)

Finance / Business Results - including delegate attendance (course fill rates)

Openness and transparency is part of our methodology and the Authority can be assured that our

appointed Contract Manager will meet with your Group Manager of Operational Assurance to review the

performance of the Contract. All relevant MI in will be provided in agreed timescales and, where possible, a

format compatible with PDR Pro. Minutes from these annual meetings will be circulated in agreed

timescales.


Section 7: Terms and Conditions

As expressed in response to Question 2B we would like to discuss with the Authority the appropriate terms

and conditions to utilise under this proposed Contract. A copy of our standard terms and conditions has

been provided for the Authority’s consideration.

Section 9: Pricing and Payments

In line with the contractual requirements outlined within the specification i.e. 2 years + 1 year + 1 year, we

are proposing the following approach:

First two years 2017 -18 & 2018 -19 are delivered at a fixed rate of XXXX per weekend training course.

Total of XXXX over two years (8 courses)

Prior to the second anniversary of the contract, the FSC in collaboration with Cheshire FRS and the

Authority will review and agree the training requirements for years 3 and 4, which will be priced

accordingly

In the spirit of partnership, we will commit that any price inflation applied to years 3 and 4, for the same

requirement, will not exceed a total maximum spend of XXXX over the life of the contract, including the

retrospective cost for years 1 and 2.

This will enable Cheshire FRS to budget and impose changes required to meet new development needs

but will enable the FSC to protect against rises in our delivery costs, inflation over the four years or

unprecedented or unforeseeable costs. This also allows both parties to engage in the progressive

development of the Incident Command training courses under the terms and conditions of the Contract.


Pricing proposal (excl. VAT)

Year Price Per Person

£ Price Per Group of

30 £ Price of 4 Courses For a Group of 30 £

1 £XXX(min 24

attendees per course)

£XXXX £XXXX

2 £XXX(min 24

attendees per course)

£XXXX £XXXX

3 £XXX + / - £XXXX + / - £XXXX+ / -

4 £XXX+/ - £XXXX + / - £XXXX+ / -

Total Cost

Years 1 & 2 £XXXX

Years 3 & 4 £XXXX + / -

4 years to a maximum of £XXXX by mutual review and agreement

Payment Terms

Payment terms will be agreed subject to further discussions over the terms and conditions to be applied.

The FSC standard terms and conditions at section 4.3 state that invoices will be raised in advance of the

delivery of the Service and paid in full, in UK Sterling within 30 days of the date of the invoice. We

recognise that there may be some benefit to the Authority in adopting these terms. Should the Authority

prefer however to pay 12 monthly in advance as per section C of the procurement contract our terms can

be amended accordingly. For our cancellation clause, please refer to Section 5.


Course Specification

The Fire Service College (FSC) confirms its understanding of the Authority’s specification and associated

requirements. The following course specification is provided in response to the requirement on

page 6 for a “full description of services that we would provide”.

Course Description

Our Incident Command courses are designed in accordance with National Operational Standards and

delivered by a talented team of Role Players, Instructors and Assessors. Our systematic approach to

training ensures that professional competencies and operational capabilities are developed in an assured

manner to recognised industry standards and in line with best practice guidance.

The specification states that courses will take place 4 times per year over a weekend period from 1300hrs

on a Friday to 1700hrs on a Sunday. A sample course timetable is attached at Appendix A. Exercises are

timetabled to ensure that sufficient time for recovery, re-hydration and comfort breaks is provided.

The FSC recognises that a degree of flexibility is required and understands that the course may commence

earlier on a Friday depending upon arrival times. A total of 4 Incident Command Courses will be delivered

per year for the duration of the Contract period at the following intervals:

1. One mid April each year

2. One mid May each year

3. One early September each year

4. One Late September each year

The FSC will provide all course material. A list of scenarios will be provided for approval by the Group

Manager of Cheshire’s Fire Authority.

Delegate Numbers

A maximum of 30 attendees will be involved in each course. 16 Commanders and 8 crew members will

participate in the training and a further 6 places will be available to Cheshire FRS training staff or

Observers/Assessors. A minimum of 24 attendees are required per course.


The existing Incident Command courses operate successfully with delegates divided into two syndicates or

Watches e.g. Red and White Watch. Each Watch comprises 12 delegates sub-divided into three crews of

four Firefighters. Each crew will staff a fully equipped fire appliance for the duration of the weekend. An

assessment matrix will be generated to ensure that each Commander is observed and assessed in

accordance with the specification.

Learning Outcomes

The FSC acknowledges from Cheshire FRS response to Clarification Question 8 that the desired Learning

Outcomes for the Incident Command training courses will be defined on a course by course basis

dependent on the exercise scenarios employed. Currently, the standard Learning Outcomes which can be

developed are as follows:

1. Plan an initial response to an operational incident

2. Implement actions to meet planned objectives

3. Close down the operational phase of the incident

4. Debrief people following incident

Assessment Criteria

Cheshire FRS Commanders will be assessed against National Occupational Standards WM.7 on four

occasions by FSC experienced Assessors. They will be assessed twice as an Incident Commander (ICL1)

and twice as a supporting Appliance/Sector Commander (ICL2). On each occasion the Assessor will hold a

professional discussion with the delegate during which they will receive constructive feedback to assist

them in their development.

The FSC will provide written feedback for every exercise assessment in respect of the performance of each

Cheshire FRS Incident Commander undergoing training in a format to be agreed. The existing Assessment

Criteria which we can develop in collaboration with Cheshire FRS is tabularised overleaf against the current

Learning Outcomes.

“The Fire Service College was chosen

due to the unique range and number of

operational training facilities on one site.

This supported our need to expose our

crews to more realistic scenarios to

better prepare them for their operational

role.” – Buckinghamshire FRS


Learning outcome Assessment Criteria

Plan an initial response to an operational incident

Collect information about risks to people, property and

environment

An appropriate command structure is in place

Initial action reflects available resources

Develop objectives following a DRA

Apply tactical considerations and objectives to the

incident

Implement actions to meet planned objectives

Significant hazards identified on ARA

Control measures in place and recorded

Maintained communication with crews

Appropriately deploys resources

Re-evaluate the plan and adjust as appropriate

Identify signs of stress in relation to trauma and/or

work-based activity

Implement actions to reduce the exposure to and

impact on personnel and casualties

Ensures contingency measures to control unplanned or

uncontrolled events are in place

Close down the operational phase of the incident

Confirm achievement of objectives

Confirm status of incident and any further actions by

others

Identifies unresolved hazards

Complete accurate records about the incident

Complete handover form and confirm understanding

Supports others

Makes resources available as soon as reasonably

practicable

Confirms resource availability


Accurate records

Debrief people following incident Measure performance against role

Identifies area for improvement

Constructive, open and supportive

Acknowledges good performance

Addresses risk critical events

Identify and record significant learning points

Agree actions to address learning points

All records are completed

Over the duration of the existing Incident Command course 60 assessments are conducted by FSC

Assessors. In addition to the stipulated Assessments, FSC offer the opportunity for delegates to be

observed and assessed performing various operational and functional roles during a larger scale, six pump

exercise. Coupled with an extensive suite of scenarios, this provides Cheshire FRS and its Level 1

Incident Commanders with:

Enhanced assurance of its Commanders’ competencies

Broader experience of operating within the Incident Command Structure (ICS)

Greater opportunities to practice and develop command skills across the full range of operational

environments

Maximum exposure to expert, critical feedback from experienced Assessors

Kit and Equipment

The FSC will supply the following equipment as required:

6 appliances equipped to our standard specification including GTS, Hose, small gear and PPV.

Appliances will be mobilised to all exercises by ‘Fire Control’ via radio. An experienced Course

Facilitator is appointed to provide this service.

All Road Traffic Collision and other equipment necessary for each element of the training course

4 Breathing Apparatus sets per appliance and other associated equipment including Thermal Imaging

Cameras


TG4 control documents will ensure that our Incident Ground Support Team is fully briefed in the

requirements of the course. A sample TG4 currently employed on the Cheshire FRS Incident Command

courses is attached at Appendix B for reference. These will be completed prior to training commencement

in liaison with Cheshire FRS.

Transport

The FSC notes from the response to Clarification Question 5 that Cheshire FRS requires three vehicles.

We will provide 3 minibuses and 2 trailers for the duration of each course to facilitate the timely movement

of personnel and equipment around the site in accordance with the training programme.

Health, Safety and Welfare

All safety related documentation will be reviewed and maintained by the Course Director. A sample Risk

Assessment is attached at Appendix C for information. Safety checks will be completed and briefings

delivered in accordance with FSC Health and Safety Policy. All delegates will be required to sign a

declaration form, attached at Appendix D, on completion of the briefing to confirm their understanding.

Training delivery will be supported by our on-site Health and Safety Technicians and First Aid responders

as required. A comprehensive injury reporting and recording system is in place and delegates will be

briefed on associated procedures.

Structural firefighting PPE can be supplied, if required during training. Drying room and shower facilities will

be provided in our state of the art BA School. Access to drinking water, barrier cream and sun protection

cream will also be available. Relaxation and mess facilities are provided at the BA School.

Accommodation and Catering

Accommodation and meals will be provided as stipulated for up to 30 attendees per weekend. All Cheshire

FRS personnel on each and every course will be allocated single occupancy ensuite accommodation. The

following meals will be provided to each and every officer/other staff of Cheshire FRS on each and every

course:

Friday Lunch and dinner

Saturday Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Sunday Breakfast, lunch and packed lunch for return journey


Meals will be served in our recently refurbished Connections Restaurant which offers a variety of hot and

cold options. A mid-morning snack of fruit and a chocolate bar will be provided for Saturday and Sunday

mornings.

All meals will be provided according to pre-informed dietary requirements of Cheshire FRS personnel, to be

notified a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. All meals shall provide a healthy, balanced diet within the

constraints identified by individual dietary requirements (as described above).

Cheshire FRS Course Images

“This is a real ‘must’ for any

potential Commander or

Commander who is already in role.

The training facility is the best in

the country” – Cheshire FRS


Case Study Experience

The Fire Service College (FSC) has successfully delivered Incident Command training courses of a tailored

nature to a number of UKFRS and other clients. The following case studies are provided in response

to the requirement on page 6 for “evidence of experience of projects of a similar nature”.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AFRS)

One day course in initial Incident Command

FSC provides 8 training scenarios against which each Commander is assessed on 2 occasions during the

course as first in attendance Incident Commander. Assessments are carried out by FSC qualified

Assessors up to Level 2 intermediate Tactical Commanders based on a pass / fail criteria.

As part of the Assessment process, delegates are provided with 1:1 feedback on their performance against

each of the Learning Outcomes to assist their personal development. Feedback is captured on FSC

Assessment Forms and the delegate is provided a copy of these for their records. A collaborative debrief is

also delivered to all crew members at the conclusion of each training exercise providing holistic feedback

on team performance. Delegate feedback is collated at the end of the course and to date remains

extremely positive.

At AFRS request, FSC ensures a basement fire scenario is included in each course in response to

development requirements identified by the Service. Similarly, we have provided scenarios to Cheshire

FRS involving Methanol and Radiation incidents as a specifically requested focus area.

During the course a number of practical exercises are conducted based on a core selection of scenarios,

with alterations made in order to maintain the element of surprise and variety.

Such scenarios include:

Road Traffic Collisions (including car fires)

Basement fire

Workshop fire

Railway incidents

HazMat incident (using overturned tanker)

“The chance to be exposed to various

very realistic scenarios was a great

opportunity and as they were technically

correct and professionally presented this

lessened the need to visualise any aspects

that may be ambiguous” – Avon FRS


Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service (WFRS)

Three day course in initial Incident Command

Day 1 FSC provides classroom based theoretical training delivered by FSC Instructors. This session

covers National Operational Guidance (NOG), the role of an Incident Commander, legislations and health

and safety. Over the following 2 days FSC deliver a total of 8 practical exercises with 2 pump attendance

and a 4 pump incident on the final day. The 2 pump incidents are similar to those scenarios used in the

training of both AFRS and CFRS.

The 4 pump incident simulates a large scale fire at a shopping mall, for example, and enables Incident

Commanders to demonstrate their knowledge and application of the Incident Command structure (ICS).

Each Commander is assessed on 1 occasion during the course as first in attendance Incident Commander

(IC1) and on 1 occasion as second in attendance Commander (IC2). In addition, on the final 4 pump

exercise 4 Commanders are given the opportunity to attend a large scale incident supporting their

development within the ICS.

Delegates are provided constructive feedback through FSC Assessment Forms on a 1:1 basis and a

collaborative debrief to the team. In addition, FSC Assessors summarise key performance indicators

against desired Learning Outcomes in the form of a Learner Performance Report (LPR). These reports are

completed on conclusion of the course and sent to the Training Manager within WFRS to be registered on

delegates’ IPDS.

Tri-Service Training Event

The FSC has recently delivered a tri-service training event including Warwickshire, Hereford and Worcester

and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services. A formal assessment of Warwickshire’s Commanders was

conducted by FSCs qualified Assessors to provide a pass / fail result on request of the Service. Hereford

and Worcester and Shropshire Commanders were provided development feedback, support and guidance

during the training exercises upon request, demonstrating our ability to provide assessment and feedback

in varying capacities.


Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS)

3 day course in initial Incident Command

12 incidents requiring 1 pump attendance and 12 2 pump incidents over the duration of the course.

WFRS supply their own Assessors and the FSC provides facilitators, role players and health and safety

officers for each exercise. The course was designed in collaboration with WFRS and as such their specific

requirements have been catered for, for example, in the number and range of scenarios and assessment

programme.

Typical scenarios include:

Rescue at height

Simulated large animal rescue

Chemical suicide

Aircraft and rail disasters

RTC and car fires

Exercises involving powerlines

The Incident Command Team have worked closely with WFRS Training Team to establish achievable

Learning Outcomes to ensure training exercises provide opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and

understanding against WFRS defined assessment criteria.

“The course has been a great success

from the aspect of individual learning

and an invaluable experience for all

those involved” – Wiltshire FRS

Documents

Cheshire Fire Authority Incident Command Training 5_tender... · 2016-11-09 · 2A. Delivery of Incident Command Training . The Fire Service College (FSC), with our proven capability