Gardaí are seeking to purchase €1 million worth of mountain biking personal protective equipment (PPE) according to a notice posted on Government procurement platform, eTenders.
The notice, posted by An Garda Síochána, says that the force is seeking a contractor who can supply cycling glasses, helmets, mitts, gloves, shoes, shorts and base layers.
The value of the contract, according the posting, is an estimated €1 million.
The contract will cover the issuing of PPE accessories and clothing to both existing garda members assigned to the Mountain Bike Unit and to new trainees as they complete training for the unit.
As with other garda contracts of a similar nature, prospective suppliers are informed that they must be capable of providing “high-security storage” for all items bearing the garda or An Garda Síochána branding.
“Such items shall be physically segregated from all other goods to prevent unauthorised visibility and handling. Access to these items must be strictly limited to authorised personnel who have been vetted and approved in accordance with the security requirements of the Contracting Authority,” the request for tenders reads.
The Garda Mountain Bike Unit was established on a limited, pilot basis in Dublin in April 2001, and was expanded throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region the following year.
It was introduced on a phased basis to Cork, Limerick and Galway after that.
According to gardaí, as of January this year, the total number of members’ assigned Mountain Bike duties is 1023.