National Forensic Framework Agreement (NFFA) project was completed in 2008 and is now a four year framework agreement centrally managed and supported by the NPIA.

NFFA offers police forces the opportunity to save the time and expense of running their own European Union (EU) compliant procurement for the forensic services they require.

There are six regions using the framework initially and this figure will grow as use of the framework increases when contract awards follow mini competitions held for organisations applying to join the framework.

The framework provides for greater transparency of what is required from forensic service providers through the provision of detailed specifications including nationally agreed quality standards. It will also be possible to compare the service that is provided so that the NPIA can work with suppliers and forces to consistently raise standards.

Strategic policing links:

Crime reduction, data efficiency and increased performance.

Improvements expected from use of the NFFA:

• Provision of the National Forensic Framework Agreement
• Detailed product specifications
• Consistently applied quality standards
• Reduced costs.

Planned delivery:

Expected dates for regional police force take up of the Framework:

• West Midlands - by March 2010
• Metropolitan - by December 2009
• East Midlands - by November 2009
• South East region - by September 2010
• Eastern Region - by December 2010
• North East region - by May 2011

For further information on the NFFA, email us.