Ref: FOI/23067
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information requested on 11th May 2023
Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request
We would be grateful if you could help in answering our request for information for the following questions; answering for A-J on questions 1-8.
a) Photocopiers/MFDs (Multi-Functional Device)
b) Printers
c) Print room / reprographic
Q1.Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy from.
Reply
Konica Minolta - Biz Hub devices
Request
Q2. What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date, with the named IT resellers in question 1
Reply
Contracts are for Maintenance & Consumables supply of Konica products only and WMFS are charged “ per click” for both colour & mono prints – we have consumables for Konica devices supplied under the contract and maintenance is offered as required ; 01/11/2017 – 31/10/2021 Contract (+ 2 periods x 24mths option to extend) – Initial contract for Larger devices at FSHQ & Workshops – Final date therefore 31/10/2025
31/01/2020 – 01/02/2023 (+ 36mths option to extend) – contract for replacing all devices at all WMFRA Fire stations – Final date therefore 01/02/2026
Request
Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?
Reply
Not possible to determine when the current stocks will be replaced – we own all our printers.
Request
Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the NHS/Fire service/university/council/school?
Reply
Approx 60x devices
Request
Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?
Reply
Across all sites within WMFS
Request
Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend for each product.
Reply
See attached devices List
Request
Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework
i. Procurement method
ii. If Framework, please state which one.
Reply
Direct Award/Call off using.
CCS framework RM3781 - Lot 2
Multifunctional Devices (MFD’s) and Print Management Software and Services
ii. See above.
Request
Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital?
Reply
Capital
Request
Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?
Reply
See 12mths billing below: approx. spend is £21k pa.
Request
Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their title and their contact details. Responsibility for MDF’s hardware is with our IT section – see general response below reference points of contact
Reply
With regards for the contact details of responsible persons, WMFS operates a single point of contact policy and callers are directed via HQ general contacts on 0330 058 9000. The call will be directed to the person with responsibility for the specific service. There is a direct email address for suppliers making sales enquires email: procurement.enquires@wmfs.net. Furthermore, guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office is as follows:
· The presumption is in favour of protecting privacy, so the release of personal information will only be fair if there is a genuine reason to disclose. This involves a three-stage test. A public authority will generally have to satisfy itself that:
· There is a legitimate interest in disclosure;
· The legitimate interest can only be met, or fully met, by the disclosure of information which identifies individuals (i.e. the disclosure is necessary to that purpose); and, the disclosure would not involve unwarranted detriment to the individual’s privacy or other rights and legitimate interests.
· You can find out more about FOI exemptions from the Information Commissioner's Office. This will explain which one or more of the FOI exemptions applies, and tell you how to appeal if you disagree with our decision
Request
Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops, desktops, networking, infrastructure, cyber security, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their contact details.
Reply
As above
Request
Q1.Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy from.
d) Desktops
e) Laptops
f) Displays
Reply
HP,
Asus,
Dell, &
Apple
Request
Q2. What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date, with the named IT resellers in question 1.
Reply
No contract - Items purchased as and when required
Request
Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?
Reply
WMFS owns all our devices and will replace as the items as and when required.
Request
Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the NHS/Fire service/university/council/school?
Reply
Laptops – 760
PC -171
Display – 80 (interactive whiteboards)
Request
Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?
Reply
Across WMFS
Request
Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend for each product
Reply
As a major emergency service provider, you will appreciate that we must ensure that the security of our personnel is appropriately protected. Releasing detailed information about our National Fire Service Identification Code in response to your request and other similar requests under Freedom of Information has wider implications that we must consider. By this we mean that disclosing this information may prejudice our ability to maintain our own and national security. We believe that maintaining security and ensuring public safety in a national and local context takes precedence over this request.
We accept that this type of information is of interest to commercial companies and to researchers but believe that it is not in the greater public good to release detailed information.
We do not imply that release of this information alone would necessarily be immediately detrimental but taken with other information we consider that it could have an adverse effect on our capability, effectiveness, and security. Given the current security climate in the UK we recognise the necessity to take a precautionary approach. In this situation we have also taken account of whether the release of this information, could, if put together with other available information, cause damage. After consideration we concluded that this type of information cannot be divorced from its context and looked at in isolation. In some circumstances, releasing this information could give rise to prejudice that would not otherwise have existed, because, taken together with other information requested, it could disclose a composite of information which is more sensitive than its individual parts taken separately.
We are therefore refusing your request under Freedom of Information exemptions, s24 National Security, s44 Prohibition on Disclosure.
In taking this decision we have taken note of the Centre for Protecting the National Infrastructure Guidance on disclosure of sensitive information, which states
“…. that national security is paramount and should be considered carefully in any government or commercial decision to release or disseminate information to the public”.
This guidance continues to state that careful consideration must be given before disclosing ‘precise information which exposes an organisation’s information or process control systems to the threat of an attack’.
Some of these exemptions are subject to the public interest test. This means that we must consider whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the public interest in refusing to disclose. We have considered that it is in the interest of the majority of the public to protect systems from harm, in order to support us to ensure public safety. We have also decided that the likelihood that there would security threat need not be immediate as the impact would, in an emergency situation, be potentially serious.
We also considered whether release of this information is in the public interest in terms of explaining our decisions, ensuring accountability, or providing transparency into our handling of public finances. We have concluded that the detail of this information is not necessary to meet the public interest or reassure public concerns. As a result, we have decided that the public interest is better served by not disclosing this detailed information.”
Request
Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework
i. Procurement method
ii. If Framework, please state which one.
Reply
Framework Procurement method, NHS – SBS & Direct Award/Call off
Request
Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital?
Reply
Capital
Request
Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?
Reply
N/A
Request
Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their title and their contact details. Responsibility for MDF’s hardware is with our IT section – see general response below reference points of contact
Reply
With regards for the contact details of responsible persons, WMFS operates a single point of contact policy and callers are directed via HQ general contacts on 0330 058 9000. The call will be directed to the person with responsibility for the specific service. There is a direct email address for suppliers making sales enquires email: procurement.enquires@wmfs.net. Furthermore, guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office is as follows:
· The presumption is in favour of protecting privacy, so the release of personal information will only be fair if there is a genuine reason to disclose. This involves a three-stage test. A public authority will generally have to satisfy itself that:
· There is a legitimate interest in disclosure;
· The legitimate interest can only be met, or fully met, by the disclosure of information which identifies individuals (i.e. the disclosure is necessary to that purpose); and, the disclosure would not involve unwarranted detriment to the individual’s privacy or other rights and legitimate interests.
· You can find out more about FOI exemptions from the Information Commissioner's Office. This will explain which one or more of the FOI exemptions applies, and tell you how to appeal if you disagree with our decision
Request
Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops, desktops, networking, infrastructure, cyber security, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their contact details.
Reply
As above
Request
g) Network
Q1.Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy from.
Reply
Breeze Networks
Extreme which
Request
Q2.What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date, with the named IT resellers in question 1
Reply
Breeze Networks – 3 years
Extreme Networks– 4 years
Request
Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?
Reply
SD-WAN is Breeze Networks End date is Feb 2026
Lan is with Extreme Networks ends in 2027
Request
Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the NHS/Fire service/university/council/school?
Reply
N/A
Request
Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?
Reply
All across WMFS
Request
Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend for each product.
Reply
As a major emergency service provider, you will appreciate that we must ensure that the security of our personnel is appropriately protected. Releasing detailed information about our National Fire Service Identification Code in response to your request and other similar requests under Freedom of Information has wider implications that we must consider. By this we mean that disclosing this information may prejudice our ability to maintain our own and national security. We believe that maintaining security and ensuring public safety in a national and local context takes precedence over this request.
We accept that this type of information is of interest to commercial companies and to researchers but believe that it is not in the greater public good to release detailed information.
We do not imply that release of this information alone would necessarily be immediately detrimental but taken with other information we consider that it could have an adverse effect on our capability, effectiveness, and security. Given the current security climate in the UK we recognise the necessity to take a precautionary approach. In this situation we have also taken account of whether the release of this information, could, if put together with other available information, cause damage. After consideration we concluded that this type of information cannot be divorced from its context and looked at in isolation. In some circumstances, releasing this information could give rise to prejudice that would not otherwise have existed, because, taken together with other information requested, it could disclose a composite of information which is more sensitive than its individual parts taken separately.
We are therefore refusing your request under Freedom of Information exemptions, s24 National Security, s44 Prohibition on Disclosure.
In taking this decision we have taken note of the Centre for Protecting the National Infrastructure Guidance on disclosure of sensitive information, which states
“…. that national security is paramount and should be considered carefully in any government or commercial decision to release or disseminate information to the public”.
This guidance continues to state that careful consideration must be given before disclosing ‘precise information which exposes an organisation’s information or process control systems to the threat of an attack’.
Some of these exemptions are subject to the public interest test. This means that we must consider whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the public interest in refusing to disclose. We have considered that it is in the interest of the majority of the public to protect systems from harm, in order to support us to ensure public safety. We have also decided that the likelihood that there would security threat need not be immediate as the impact would, in an emergency situation, be potentially serious.
We also considered whether release of this information is in the public interest in terms of explaining our decisions, ensuring accountability, or providing transparency into our handling of public finances. We have concluded that the detail of this information is not necessary to meet the public interest or reassure public concerns. As a result, we have decided that the public interest is better served by not disclosing this detailed information.”
Request
Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework
i. Procurement method
Reply
Framework Procurement method, NHS – SBS & Direct Award/Call off
Request
Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital?
Reply
Capital
Request
Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?
Reply
N/A
Request
Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their title and their contact details. Responsibility for MDF’s hardware is with our IT section – see general response below reference points of contact
Reply
With regards for the contact details of responsible persons, WMFS operates a single point of contact policy and callers are directed via HQ general contacts on 0330 058 9000. The call will be directed to the person with responsibility for the specific service. There is a direct email address for suppliers making sales enquires email: procurement.enquires@wmfs.net. Furthermore, guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office is as follows:
· The presumption is in favour of protecting privacy, so the release of personal information will only be fair if there is a genuine reason to disclose. This involves a three-stage test. A public authority will generally have to satisfy itself that:
· There is a legitimate interest in disclosure;
· The legitimate interest can only be met, or fully met, by the disclosure of information which identifies individuals (i.e. the disclosure is necessary to that purpose); and, the disclosure would not involve unwarranted detriment to the individual’s privacy or other rights and legitimate interests.
· You can find out more about FOI exemptions from the Information Commissioner's Office. This will explain which one or more of the FOI exemptions applies, and tell you how to appeal if you disagree with our decision
Request
Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops, desktops, networking, infrastructure, cyber security, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their contact details.
Reply
As above
Request
Q1.Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy from.
h) cyber security
Reply
Crowdstrike Endpoint security
BullWall
Barracuda email protection
Checkpoint
Request
Q2. What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date, with the named IT resellers in question 1
Reply
Crowdstrike Endpoint security – 3 years
BullWall – 12 months
Barracuda email protection – 3years
Checkpoint – 3 years
Request
Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?
Reply
Crowdstrike Endpoint security Feb 2026
BullWall - June 2023
Barracuda email protection Nov 2025
Checkpoint March 2025
Request
Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the NHS/Fire service/university/council/school?
Reply
As a major emergency service provider, you will appreciate that we must ensure that the security of our personnel is appropriately protected. Releasing detailed information about our National Fire Service Identification Code in response to your request and other similar requests under Freedom of Information has wider implications that we must consider. By this we mean that disclosing this information may prejudice our ability to maintain our own and national security. We believe that maintaining security and ensuring public safety in a national and local context takes precedence over this request.
We accept that this type of information is of interest to commercial companies and to researchers but believe that it is not in the greater public good to release detailed information.
We do not imply that release of this information alone would necessarily be immediately detrimental but taken with other information we consider that it could have an adverse effect on our capability, effectiveness, and security. Given the current security climate in the UK we recognise the necessity to take a precautionary approach. In this situation we have also taken account of whether the release of this information, could, if put together with other available information, cause damage. After consideration we concluded that this type of information cannot be divorced from its context and looked at in isolation. In some circumstances, releasing this information could give rise to prejudice that would not otherwise have existed, because, taken together with other information requested, it could disclose a composite of information which is more sensitive than its individual parts taken separately.
We are therefore refusing your request under Freedom of Information exemptions, s24 National Security, s44 Prohibition on Disclosure.
In taking this decision we have taken note of the Centre for Protecting the National Infrastructure Guidance on disclosure of sensitive information, which states
“…. that national security is paramount and should be considered carefully in any government or commercial decision to release or disseminate information to the public”.
This guidance continues to state that careful consideration must be given before disclosing ‘precise information which exposes an organisation’s information or process control systems to the threat of an attack’.
Some of these exemptions are subject to the public interest test. This means that we must consider whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the public interest in refusing to disclose. We have considered that it is in the interest of the majority of the public to protect systems from harm, in order to support us to ensure public safety. We have also decided that the likelihood that there would security threat need not be immediate as the impact would, in an emergency situation, be potentially serious.
We also considered whether release of this information is in the public interest in terms of explaining our decisions, ensuring accountability, or providing transparency into our handling of public finances. We have concluded that the detail of this information is not necessary to meet the public interest or reassure public concerns. As a result, we have decided that the public interest is better served by not disclosing this detailed information.”
Request
Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?
Reply
As above
Request
Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend for each product.
Reply
As a major emergency service provider, you will appreciate that we must ensure that the security of our personnel is appropriately protected. Releasing detailed information about our National Fire Service Identification Code in response to your request and other similar requests under Freedom of Information has wider implications that we must consider. By this we mean that disclosing this information may prejudice our ability to maintain our own and national security. We believe that maintaining security and ensuring public safety in a national and local context takes precedence over this request.
We accept that this type of information is of interest to commercial companies and to researchers but believe that it is not in the greater public good to release detailed information.
We do not imply that release of this information alone would necessarily be immediately detrimental but taken with other information we consider that it could have an adverse effect on our capability, effectiveness, and security. Given the current security climate in the UK we recognise the necessity to take a precautionary approach. In this situation we have also taken account of whether the release of this information, could, if put together with other available information, cause damage. After consideration we concluded that this type of information cannot be divorced from its context and looked at in isolation. In some circumstances, releasing this information could give rise to prejudice that would not otherwise have existed, because, taken together with other information requested, it could disclose a composite of information which is more sensitive than its individual parts taken separately.
We are therefore refusing your request under Freedom of Information exemptions, s24 National Security, s44 Prohibition on Disclosure.
In taking this decision we have taken note of the Centre for Protecting the National Infrastructure Guidance on disclosure of sensitive information, which states
“…. that national security is paramount and should be considered carefully in any government or commercial decision to release or disseminate information to the public”.
This guidance continues to state that careful consideration must be given before disclosing ‘precise information which exposes an organisation’s information or process control systems to the threat of an attack’.
Some of these exemptions are subject to the public interest test. This means that we must consider whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the public interest in refusing to disclose. We have considered that it is in the interest of the majority of the public to protect systems from harm, in order to support us to ensure public safety. We have also decided that the likelihood that there would security threat need not be immediate as the impact would, in an emergency situation, be potentially serious.
We also considered whether release of this information is in the public interest in terms of explaining our decisions, ensuring accountability, or providing transparency into our handling of public finances. We have concluded that the detail of this information is not necessary to meet the public interest or reassure public concerns. As a result, we have decided that the public interest is better served by not disclosing this detailed information.”
Request
Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework
i. Procurement method
Reply
Framework Procurement method, NHS – SBS & Direct Award/Call off using
Request
Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital?
Reply
Capital
Request
Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?
Reply
N/A
Request
Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their title and their contact details. Responsibility for MDF’s hardware is with our IT section – see general response below reference points of contact
Reply
With regards for the contact details of responsible persons, WMFS operates a single point of contact policy and callers are directed via HQ general contacts on 0330 058 9000. The call will be directed to the person with responsibility for the specific service. There is a direct email address for suppliers making sales enquires email: procurement.enquires@wmfs.net. Furthermore, guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office is as follows:
· The presumption is in favour of protecting privacy, so the release of personal information will only be fair if there is a genuine reason to disclose. This involves a three-stage test. A public authority will generally have to satisfy itself that:
· There is a legitimate interest in disclosure;
· The legitimate interest can only be met, or fully met, by the disclosure of information which identifies individuals (i.e. the disclosure is necessary to that purpose); and, the disclosure would not involve unwarranted detriment to the individual’s privacy or other rights and legitimate interests.
· You can find out more about FOI exemptions from the Information Commissioner's Office. This will explain which one or more of the FOI exemptions applies, and tell you how to appeal if you disagree with our decision
Request
Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops, desktops, networking, infrastructure, cyber security, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their contact details.
Reply
As above
Request
Q1. Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy from.
Reply
A/V purchased as and when required.
Request
Q2. What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date, with the named IT resellers in question 1.
Reply
N/A
Request
Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?
Reply
A/V purchased as and when required.
Request
Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the NHS/Fire service/university/council/school?
Reply
80 (interactive whiteboards )
Request
Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?
Reply
All WMFS sites
Request
Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend for each product.
Reply
As a major emergency service provider, you will appreciate that we must ensure that the security of our personnel is appropriately protected. Releasing detailed information about our National Fire Service Identification Code in response to your request and other similar requests under Freedom of Information has wider implications that we must consider. By this we mean that disclosing this information may prejudice our ability to maintain our own and national security. We believe that maintaining security and ensuring public safety in a national and local context takes precedence over this request.
We accept that this type of information is of interest to commercial companies and to researchers but believe that it is not in the greater public good to release detailed information.
We do not imply that release of this information alone would necessarily be immediately detrimental but taken with other information we consider that it could have an adverse effect on our capability, effectiveness, and security. Given the current security climate in the UK we recognise the necessity to take a precautionary approach. In this situation we have also taken account of whether the release of this information, could, if put together with other available information, cause damage. After consideration we concluded that this type of information cannot be divorced from its context and looked at in isolation. In some circumstances, releasing this information could give rise to prejudice that would not otherwise have existed, because, taken together with other information requested, it could disclose a composite of information which is more sensitive than its individual parts taken separately.
We are therefore refusing your request under Freedom of Information exemptions, s24 National Security, s44 Prohibition on Disclosure.
In taking this decision we have taken note of the Centre for Protecting the National Infrastructure Guidance on disclosure of sensitive information, which states
“…. that national security is paramount and should be considered carefully in any government or commercial decision to release or disseminate information to the public”.
This guidance continues to state that careful consideration must be given before disclosing ‘precise information which exposes an organisation’s information or process control systems to the threat of an attack’.
Some of these exemptions are subject to the public interest test. This means that we must consider whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the public interest in refusing to disclose. We have considered that it is in the interest of the majority of the public to protect systems from harm, in order to support us to ensure public safety. We have also decided that the likelihood that there would security threat need not be immediate as the impact would, in an emergency situation, be potentially serious.
We also considered whether release of this information is in the public interest in terms of explaining our decisions, ensuring accountability, or providing transparency into our handling of public finances. We have concluded that the detail of this information is not necessary to meet the public interest or reassure public concerns. As a result, we have decided that the public interest is better served by not disclosing this detailed information.”
Request
Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework
i. Procurement method
ii. If Framework, please state which one.
Reply
Framework Procurement method, NHS – SBS & Direct Award/Call off
Request
Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital?
Reply
Capital
Request
Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?
Reply
N/A
Request
Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their title and their contact details.
Reply
With regards for the contact details of responsible persons, WMFS operates a single point of contact policy and callers are directed via HQ general contacts on 0330 058 9000. The call will be directed to the person with responsibility for the specific service. There is a direct email address for suppliers making sales enquires email: procurement.enquires@wmfs.net. Furthermore, guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office is as follows:
· The presumption is in favour of protecting privacy, so the release of personal information will only be fair if there is a genuine reason to disclose. This involves a three-stage test. A public authority will generally have to satisfy itself that:
· There is a legitimate interest in disclosure;
· The legitimate interest can only be met, or fully met, by the disclosure of information which identifies individuals (i.e. the disclosure is necessary to that purpose); and, the disclosure would not involve unwarranted detriment to the individual’s privacy or other rights and legitimate interests.
· You can find out more about FOI exemptions from the Information Commissioner's Office. This will explain which one or more of the FOI exemptions applies, and tell you how to appeal if you disagree with our decision
Request
Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops, desktops, networking, infrastructure, cyber security, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their contact details.
Reply
As above
Request
j) infrastructure
Q1. Please name all the IT resellers that you have contacts with and buy from.
Reply
Softcat, CCS media, IT-Probrand, Avoira, total computers, Akhtar computers, Storm Technologies, Boxxe, Vohkus, SCC, Insights, One Direct.
Any supplier on the Crown commercial purchasing platform.
Request
Q2. What is the length of the contracts, more specifically their end date, with the named IT resellers in question 1.
Reply
Hardware is purchased as and when required, therefore no specific contracts in place.
Request
Q3. What year and month is the next hardware refresh due?
Reply
Hardware is purchased as and when required, no longer have refreshes with set dates.
Request
Q4. Please name the number of devices deployed by the NHS/Fire service/university/council/school?
Reply
As a major emergency service provider, you will appreciate that we must ensure that the security of our personnel is appropriately protected. Releasing detailed information about our National Fire Service Identification Code in response to your request and other similar requests under Freedom of Information has wider implications that we must consider. By this we mean that disclosing this information may prejudice our ability to maintain our own and national security. We believe that maintaining security and ensuring public safety in a national and local context takes precedence over this request.
We accept that this type of information is of interest to commercial companies and to researchers but believe that it is not in the greater public good to release detailed information.
We do not imply that release of this information alone would necessarily be immediately detrimental but taken with other information we consider that it could have an adverse effect on our capability, effectiveness, and security. Given the current security climate in the UK we recognise the necessity to take a precautionary approach. In this situation we have also taken account of whether the release of this information, could, if put together with other available information, cause damage. After consideration we concluded that this type of information cannot be divorced from its context and looked at in isolation. In some circumstances, releasing this information could give rise to prejudice that would not otherwise have existed, because, taken together with other information requested, it could disclose a composite of information which is more sensitive than its individual parts taken separately.
We are therefore refusing your request under Freedom of Information exemptions, s24 National Security, s44 Prohibition on Disclosure.
In taking this decision we have taken note of the Centre for Protecting the National Infrastructure Guidance on disclosure of sensitive information, which states
“…. that national security is paramount and should be considered carefully in any government or commercial decision to release or disseminate information to the public”.
This guidance continues to state that careful consideration must be given before disclosing ‘precise information which exposes an organisation’s information or process control systems to the threat of an attack’.
Some of these exemptions are subject to the public interest test. This means that we must consider whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the public interest in refusing to disclose. We have considered that it is in the interest of the majority of the public to protect systems from harm, in order to support us to ensure public safety. We have also decided that the likelihood that there would security threat need not be immediate as the impact would, in an emergency situation, be potentially serious.
We also considered whether release of this information is in the public interest in terms of explaining our decisions, ensuring accountability, or providing transparency into our handling of public finances. We have concluded that the detail of this information is not necessary to meet the public interest or reassure public concerns. As a result, we have decided that the public interest is better served by not disclosing this detailed information.”
Request
Q5. In reply to question 4, which department/facility are those located?
Reply
All across WMFS
Request
Q6. Please name the brand and model of the devices mentioned and the spend for each product.
Reply
As a major emergency service provider, you will appreciate that we must ensure that the security of our personnel is appropriately protected. Releasing detailed information about our National Fire Service Identification Code in response to your request and other similar requests under Freedom of Information has wider implications that we must consider. By this we mean that disclosing this information may prejudice our ability to maintain our own and national security. We believe that maintaining security and ensuring public safety in a national and local context takes precedence over this request.
We accept that this type of information is of interest to commercial companies and to researchers but believe that it is not in the greater public good to release detailed information.
We do not imply that release of this information alone would necessarily be immediately detrimental but taken with other information we consider that it could have an adverse effect on our capability, effectiveness, and security. Given the current security climate in the UK we recognise the necessity to take a precautionary approach. In this situation we have also taken account of whether the release of this information, could, if put together with other available information, cause damage. After consideration we concluded that this type of information cannot be divorced from its context and looked at in isolation. In some circumstances, releasing this information could give rise to prejudice that would not otherwise have existed, because, taken together with other information requested, it could disclose a composite of information which is more sensitive than its individual parts taken separately.
We are therefore refusing your request under Freedom of Information exemptions, s24 National Security, s44 Prohibition on Disclosure.
In taking this decision we have taken note of the Centre for Protecting the National Infrastructure Guidance on disclosure of sensitive information, which states
“…. that national security is paramount and should be considered carefully in any government or commercial decision to release or disseminate information to the public”.
This guidance continues to state that careful consideration must be given before disclosing ‘precise information which exposes an organisation’s information or process control systems to the threat of an attack’.
Some of these exemptions are subject to the public interest test. This means that we must consider whether the public interest in releasing the information outweighs the public interest in refusing to disclose. We have considered that it is in the interest of the majority of the public to protect systems from harm, in order to support us to ensure public safety. We have also decided that the likelihood that there would security threat need not be immediate as the impact would, in an emergency situation, be potentially serious.
We also considered whether release of this information is in the public interest in terms of explaining our decisions, ensuring accountability, or providing transparency into our handling of public finances. We have concluded that the detail of this information is not necessary to meet the public interest or reassure public concerns. As a result, we have decided that the public interest is better served by not disclosing this detailed information.”
Request
Q7. Details on how these were procured. i.e. By Framework
i. Procurement method
ii. If Framework, please state which one.
Reply
Framework Procurement method, NHS – SBS & Direct Award/Call off
Request
Q8. Do you normally purchase equipment as services or as a capital? Normally
Reply
Capital
Request
Q9. What is your annual print/copy volume and spend?
Reply
N/A
Request
Q10. Who is the person(s) within your organization responsible for the MFD's, print hardware, and supplies contract(s)? Please provide their title and their contact details.
Reply
With regards for the contact details of responsible persons, WMFS operates a single point of contact policy and callers are directed via HQ general contacts on 0330 058 9000. The call will be directed to the person with responsibility for the specific service. There is a direct email address for suppliers making sales enquires email: procurement.enquires@wmfs.net. Furthermore, guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office is as follows:
· The presumption is in favour of protecting privacy, so the release of personal information will only be fair if there is a genuine reason to disclose. This involves a three-stage test. A public authority will generally have to satisfy itself that:
· There is a legitimate interest in disclosure;
· The legitimate interest can only be met, or fully met, by the disclosure of information which identifies individuals (i.e. the disclosure is necessary to that purpose); and, the disclosure would not involve unwarranted detriment to the individual’s privacy or other rights and legitimate interests.
· You can find out more about FOI exemptions from the Information Commissioner's Office. This will explain which one or more of the FOI exemptions applies, and tell you how to appeal if you disagree with our decision
Request
Q11. Who is responsible for purchasing end user devices such as laptops, desktops, networking, infrastructure, cyber security, displays and accessories? Please provide their title, and their contact details.
Reply
As above
If you have any queries about this freedom of information request, please contact us. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
For service complaints, issues or comments regarding this request please contact The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW
Further information concerning Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner website at either the following link: https://ico.org.uk/ or at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.
