Project Summary
The ACTIVE PCP project aims to address critical gaps in personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders facing increasingly complex threats, whether man-made or natural. They operate in hazardous and unpredictable environments, from CBRN-E incidents to natural disasters, where effective protection is critical to ensure their safety, maintain operational readiness, and enable swift responses. Innovations in PPE tailored to these shared needs not only enhance individual safety but also foster interoperability across multi-stakeholder groups during joint operations. However, current PPE limitations expose vulnerabilities that affect responder safety, performance, and morale, ultimately hindering emergency services’ and first responders’ ability to protect people, animals, and property. ACTIVE PCP seeks to leverage innovative procurement methods to stimulate research and development in the private sector, encouraging the creation of cutting-edge PPE solutions tailored to the unique challenges of modern emergency response. Through this approach, the project aspires to set new benchmarks in responder safety, efficiency, and interoperability, ultimately enhancing the resilience of emergency response systems across Europe.
Project Objectives
CREATE
detailed set of functional and technical requirements for the procurement of R&D
MATCHMAKING
among suppliers and procurers, as well as external First Responders to address the project technical requirements and needs
LAUNCH
the project Call for Tenders, based on the previous Prior Information Notice (PIN), in line with a sound legal and ethical innovation procurement framework
EVALUATE
the solutions developed in the different PCP Phases, including System Architecture, Prototype and Pilot activities
MOBILISE
First Responders Services, researchers, and experts to build synergies aimed at developing advanced PPE solutions, leveraging existing networks for knowledge exchange and innovation.
RAISE
awareness on the PCP actions & project outcomes through continuous and multiple channels and communication means targeting practitioners and R&D providers all over Europe.
Project Results
The ACTIVE PCP proposal aims to develop PPE that aligns with EU regulations, ensuring first responders across member states have access to consistent, high-quality protective equipment and improving their effectiveness in joint cross-border operations. The proposal also addresses the economic challenges faced by public safety organizations, as high-quality PPE can be costly, with maintenance and replacement straining budgets. ACTIVE PCP aims to reduce these pressures through cost-effective, reusable designs while ensuring responders are well-equipped. The integration of advanced materials and technologies will enhance PPE functionality and long-term value, offering a significant return on investment for public safety organisations. At its core, the ACTIVE PCP proposal is driven by the need to protect the lives of first responders while enabling them to perform their duties effectively. The project seeks to leverage innovative procurement methods to stimulate research and development in the private sector, encouraging the creation of cutting-edge PPE solutions tailored to the unique challenges of modern emergency response. Through this approach, ACTIVE PCP aspires to set new benchmarks in responder safety, efficiency, and interoperability, ultimately enhancing the resilience of emergency response systems across Europe.
Consortium
