Instructions for preparation of Expression of Interest 2007/2008

Applicants are invited to submit an expression of interest, which must be prepared using the following guidelines. To ensure consistency and fairness in the assessment of projects, the deadlines, page limits and headings given herein must be adhered to. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the Statement of Strategic Direction of the New Zealand Fire Service which may be viewed on the web page:
http://www3.fire.org.nz/cms.php?page=860

Applicants should also study the research reports arising out of work already carried out under the Contestable Research Fund in previous years to avoid duplication:
http://www3.fire.org.nz/cms.php?page=15057&section=517

The Commission has prepared a set of briefing documents for particular projects but applicants are free to offer other research proposals that align with the Commission's strategic objectives.

Deadline

Expressions of Interest must be received by 5.00pm Monday 12 November 2007 addressed to Fa'a Parsons.

Mailing address:

New Zealand Fire Service
PO Box 2133
Wellington
New Zealand

or

Physical address:

New Zealand Fire Service
Level 9, AXA House
80 The Terrace
Wellington
New Zealand

Submission layout

There is a page limit of 3 pages and text shall be in a font of Time Roman, type size of no smaller than 11 point. Portrait layout. Applicants must submit seven (7) copies of the expression of interest: Applications by e-mail and/or facsimile will not be accepted.

Information required

The following information is required to be included in the expression of interest:

• Name and address of the organisation expressing interest
• Name and address of individual with whom contact should be made
• Title of project (no more than 14 words)
• Brief description of project aims and objectives, methodology, outcomes
• Estimated cost and duration
• Capability statement from organisation expressing interest
• Description of the staff to be involved in the project
• Identification of some recently completed research projects
  

Evaluation

Expressions of interest will be evaluated by a panel appointed by the New Zealand Fire Service Commission, based solely on the information provided by the applicants in the expression of interest submission. Once the submissions have been evaluated, a shortlist of suitable research projects will be drawn up, and applicants invited to prepare a detailed research proposal. All those submitting an expression of interest will be notified in writing of the panel's decision by December 2007.

Note: The Fire Service has a database record of all its activities since 1986, including information on all fire incidents. Applicants with projects which involve using Fire Service data should contact the Service's information analysts first and ascertain the availability and the reliability of the information required. The application should include evidence that the Fire Service is able to supply the information within in the required timeframe for the project.

Contact details are:

For all incident and fire information:
Neil Challands
Information Analyst
Telephone: (4) 499 0004 (direct)
Email: neil.challands@fire.org.nz
Fax: (4) 496 3731

For fire weather information:
Karl Baker
Spatial Analyst
Telephone: (4) 496 3693 (direct)
Email: karl.baker@fire.org.nz
Fax: (4) 496 3731

or

Mike Judd
Geospatial Team Leader
Telephone: (4) 496 3659 (direct)
Email: mike.judd@fire.org.nz
Fax: (4) 496 3731