Simplified telematics procurement

The Crown Commercial Service’s next iteration of its procurement framework agreement for vehicle telematics is now live, helping public sector organisations make their fleet operations more efficient and optimise their driver management. Here’s how it will benefit fleets.

Vehicle telematics hardware and software solutions are used to collect data about a vehicle’s performance and how they are driven. The data gives a range of insights, including location, fuel consumption, speed and driver behaviour, which then enables fleet managers to implement changes for a safer, greener, and more efficient fleet.

Telematics devices such as tracking devices, dash-cams, and plug and play devices can be installed into the On-Board Diagnostics port to collect vehicle data. The data is then transmitted to a secure data hub which can be viewed in real time using a web-based portal.

Running for two years, until 4 March 2026, the Crown Commercial Service’s next iteration of its procurement framework agreement for vehicle telematics is known as RM6315. It replaces the Vehicle Telematics Hardware and Software Solutions [RM6143] agreement, which expired on 23 April 2024.

Products and services under the agreement will allow customers to better analyse the use of their vehicles and make better, evidence-based decisions on their fleet management.

Central government and the wider public sector can use this agreement to lease, hire or buy vehicle telematics solutions.

Better fleet management

Using real time vehicle data enables fleet operators to identify, implement and manage initiatives designed to improve driver behaviour and better compliance. For example, by using tracking solutions like driver ID and automated driver benchmarking, customers can improve the on-road behaviour of their drivers, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries and property damage.

Effective use of vehicle telematics will enable fleets to analyse vehicle usage for better decision making and policy development, and achieve their carbon reduction policies and goals through improved fuel efficiency, driver behaviour, future vehicle selection and the transition to zero emission vehicles.

Good use of telematics can also help to reduce accidents, injuries and property damage through improved driver behaviour and driver training programmes.

The ability to analyse the whole-life costs of a vehicle by assessing elements such as servicing, maintenance and repair costs is another benefit, not to mention helping to achieve duty of care obligations, meet regulatory compliance and improve risk management.

Products and services

The new agreement is similar in terms of scope and scale to its predecessor but with the introduction of a new single-lot structure that offers all available products and services in one place. This allows buyers to more easily identify the solution that suits them and provides a simpler procurement journey.

The products and services available under this agreement include solutions such as telematics data extraction devices and solutions, such as On-Board Diagnostics, Can-Bus, plug-in devices and smartphone solutions. It includes in-cab devices such as monitors, cameras and dash-cams, as well as external cameras and CCTV. It also includes asset and vehicle tracking software, route planning software, event video recorders and incident data recorders.

Other products and services include solutions for specialist and heavy vehicles such as waste management or winter maintenance, workforce and/or fleet management optimisation solutions (devices and software), and driver and risk management solutions, such as driver ID and driver benchmarking.

What’s more, blue light related fleet and incident management products or services are included.

Sustainability remains a key focus, with vehicle analysis tools helping customers to achieve their carbon reduction goals by improving fuel efficiency and informing their approach to the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

What’s more, all suppliers for this agreement have committed to comply with the Procurement Policy Note 06/21: ‘Taking account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the procurement of major government contracts’. If a supplier is required to publish a carbon reduction plan, you can find it on their individual supplier details page.

Tammy Carter, head of fleet at Crown Commercial Service, said: “We’re delighted to launch our newest vehicle telematics agreement, offering a simple and efficient route to market that gives public sector customers access to sustainable, safety-conscious solutions that enable value through fleet optimisation.”

Simplified procurement

This new agreement has a simple one lot structure, encompassing a wide range of vehicle telematics solutions in a single, consolidated framework.

A simple order form has been introduced to support the customer journey by giving easier access to the full range of products available under the agreement.

What’s more, there are specific solutions now available for specialist and heavy vehicles including those utilised for waste management, winter maintenance or other Streetscene operations, as well as customers undertaking covert operations and blue light related fleet and incident management.

It’s worth noting that due to the bespoke nature of telematics and the customer’s individual fleet requirements, it is always recommended that buyers undertake a further competition to select their supplier.