We encourage suppliers and researchers to approach us with innovative technologies that have the potential to improve policing. All submissions will be subject to public sector procurement procedures and competitive tender before any commercial relationships are entered into.

Innovative science and technology in policing

Current areas of interest for innovation in science and technology are guided by:

• The current NPIA Business Plan
• NPIA Information Systems Improvement Strategy
• Home Office Science and Innovation Strategy 2009-12
• UK Science and Technology Strategy for Countering International Terrorism

We collaborate with police forces and strategic partners, including the Home Office Scientific Development Branch, to identify, research, and develop innovative science and technology.

Finding innovations

We currently find innovation in two ways:

• Receiving approaches from researchers / suppliers and
• Actively searching for new ideas that have the potential to improve policing.

We are currently engaged with academic institutions and funding bodies in order to scope the UK and international research landscape. We are also represented on a wide variety of innovation groups and networks inside and outside of government. 

Testing innovative science and technology

Innovative science and technology is dependent on successful implementation to achieve maximum impact. To this end, the NPIA works with the police service to develop and assess pilot trials of technologies, utilising robust social research methods and promoting good practice.

Pilots can be used not only to evaluate products, but also to further develop technologies - encouraging fit-for-purpose policing tools and ensuring fit with operational practices.

Contract announcements

The NPIA uses Bravo Solutions eTendering Tool to allow suppliers to view the Agency's contract announcements in real time. The online portal is used for placing EU and non-EU public notices, which gives suppliers instant access to contract opportunities.

Contact us

If you have an innovative product that you think might be of interest to the NPIA, please contact the NPIA Innovation Unit, including

• a description of the product (no more than 300 words please)
• the benefit it offers to policing
• details of your company / organisation and any previous work with the NPIA
• contact information
• any additional relevant information or material, including publicly available material

The NPIA uses standard procedures when assessing products, and follows procurement policies consistent with EU procurement directives and the Government's value for money policy. Unique stand alone requirements may be considered for alternative routes to market after the undertaking of an internal review.

With regards to any enquiry submitted, the NPIA will undertake to respond in a timely fashion.