Workwear and PPE
Framework Description
NEPO419 Workwear and PPE is a multi-supplier framework with 13 lots covering workwear, PPE including safety footwear, uniform clothing, specialist and armoured uniform, and a crisis prevention lot. Lots are split between North East (North), North East (South) and national coverage. It started on 1 December 2024 and runs to 30 November 2028, with an option to extend to 30 November 2030.
Context & Use Case
Councils and other public bodies use NEPO419 to clothe and protect frontline staff, including staff who need specialist or armoured uniform and teams that rely on PPE and safety footwear. Buyers can direct award on a ranked basis or run a mini competition, using a core price list plus non-core items and optional garment services.
Scope of Services
Lots 1 to 3: Workwear (North East North, North East South, National) Lots 4 to 6: PPE including safety footwear (same areas) Lots 7 to 9: Uniform clothing (same areas) Lots 10 to 12: Specialist and armoured uniform (same areas) Lot 13: Crisis prevention Optional laundry, dry cleaning, fitting, repairs and recycling
Lots
Lot 1: Workwear - North East (North); Lot 2: Workwear - North East (South); Lot 3: Workwear - National; Lot 4: PPE incl. Safety Footwear - North East (North); Lot 5: PPE incl. Safety Footwear - North East (South); Lot 6: PPE incl. Safety Footwear - National; Lot 7: Uniform Clothing - North East (North); Lot 8: Uniform Clothing - North East (South); Lot 9: Uniform Clothing - National; Lot 10: Specialist and Armoured Uniform - North East (North); Lot 11: Specialist and Armoured Uniform - North East (South); Lot 12: Specialist and Armoured Uniform - National; Lot 13: Crisis Prevention Lot
Who Can Apply
Suits workwear, PPE, uniform and specialist protective clothing suppliers. This is a ranked framework and applications are closed, so suppliers not appointed cannot join until it is re-procured, likely around November 2028 or, if extended, November 2030.
Buyer Benefits
Ranked direct award gives buyers quick ordering, while mini competitions get better prices for larger contracts. Regional and national lots, plus laundry, fitting and recycling services, let buyers manage the full life of a garment through one agreement. Recycling services also help buyers meet sustainability goals.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should protect their rankings and prepare for mini competitions with sustainability and garment service offers. Others should register on NEPO's Open portal (open-uk.org) for notice of the replacement, and in the meantime look for supply through appointed suppliers.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed suppliers, Athena's mini-competition response writing helps you win mini competitions with strong pricing and sustainability answers.
For others, our workwear framework mapping maps workwear frameworks open now or due to open, and our re-tender planning helps you plan the NEPO419 re-procurement, from lot and region choice to a compliant bid priced to win. Competitor scoring shows how your offer compares in each lot, and we help shape social value and garment service commitments.
