Community fire curtain: M1 purchasing guide for town halls, schools and associations
A local authority equipping a multi-purpose hall, a school, a media library, or a town hall with fire-retardant curtains faces four specific constraints: an M1 or M2 fire rating depending on the space, a structured public procurement process (free quotes below the threshold, adapted MAPA procedure above), an often multi-year budget included in the PPI, and a timeline dictated by the vote on the initial budget in the spring. The equipment cost ranges from €4,000 for a primary school to €25,000 for a large municipal multi-purpose hall, excluding formal tendering.
This guide is intended for public buyers in local authorities outside the health sector: municipal technical services, general services departments, elected officials responsible for heritage, library and media library managers, school principals, and presidents of associations leased by a municipality. For health establishments (nursing homes, shelters), please see our nursing home curtain guide. Nurseries and early childhood facilities will be the subject of a dedicated article.
The angle of this article is the purchasing process and the budgetary framework specific to local authorities. For detailed regulatory requirements by space, consult the M1/M2 ERP standards guide. For material selection, see the article fire-retardant fabric: materials and selection by use.
Which local authority establishments are concerned?
Local authorities manage a diverse built heritage, which falls under several types of ERP (Establishments Receiving Public). The main configurations are as follows.
| Establishment | ERP Type | Public Received | Dominant Framework |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal multi-purpose hall | L (then N if meals are served) | Weddings, receptions, amateur theater, greetings | M1 on stages and platforms, M2 on circulation areas |
| Primary or kindergarten school | R | Children in school activities | M2 on circulation areas and rooms > 50 m² |
| Municipal middle school, high school | R | Adolescents | M2 on circulation areas and rooms > 50 m² |
| Media library, library | S | General public | M2 on circulation areas, M1 on enclosed stairwell |
| Town hall (areas open to the public) | W | Administrators | M2 on circulation areas and rooms ≥ 50 m² |
| Municipal gymnasium | X | Athletes and event public | M2 on circulation areas (M1 if event stage) |
| Leisure center, MJC, community center | R or L depending on use | Mixed children and adults | M2 on circulation areas and rooms > 50 m² |
The decree of June 25, 1980, sets out the obligations by area via articles AM 11 to AM 14, which apply transversally to all types of ERP. Specific decrees by type (R, L, S, W) may add requirements; we recommend verifying these with the local authority's control office before drafting the terms of reference.
Required M classification level by space
The universal rule stemming from articles AM 11 to AM 13 applies to all local authorities.
- Enclosed stairwells: M1 mandatory (article AM 12 a). Priority evacuation route.
- Circulation areas (corridors, halls, walkways): M2 mandatory (article AM 12 b).
- Rooms larger than 50 m² (multi-purpose hall, school restaurant, village hall): M2 mandatory (article AM 12 b).
- Stages and platforms (municipal theater, performance hall, school stage): M1 mandatory (article AM 13).
- Rooms smaller than 50 m² outside circulation areas (offices, small rooms): no strict regulatory obligation. M2 recommended to anticipate insurer requirements.
Important reminder for local authorities: it is forbidden to place curtains across circulation areas (article AM 11 §1), with the exception of textile furnishings on fire doors, which must be at least M2 rated.
Purchasing process in a local authority
The public procurement code governs the purchase of supplies by local authorities. Three regimes coexist depending on the planned amount of the expenditure.
Regime 1 — Free quote below the formal procedure threshold
For purchases of supplies whose estimated amount is below the threshold defined by the Legal Affairs Department of Bercy (which updates the thresholds annually), the local authority can order from the supplier of its choice without a formalized competitive bidding procedure. The best practice recommended by the regional audit courts is to request at least three comparative quotes and keep the documents on file for traceability.
Regime 2 — Adapted procedure (MAPA)
Above the formal procedure threshold and below the European threshold, the local authority must organize an adapted procedure (MAPA). The terms are freely set by the buyer, in compliance with the principles of equal treatment, transparency, and competition. Advertising can be done on the buyer's profile of the local authority or on the BOAMP.
Regime 3 — Formalized procedure above the European threshold
For very large contracts (rare for curtain equipment), the formalized procedure is mandatory, with publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and strict selection rules.
Important note: Kurtens operates via direct quotes and provides proposals within 24 hours for local authorities outside of formal tendering procedures. For MAPAs, the B2B team assists the local authority in formulating technical specifications but does not participate in structured competitive dialogues.
Internal stakeholders of the local authority
Purchasing involves several layers of validation. Knowing the contacts accelerates the signing process.
- Elected officials (mayor, deputies for heritage, culture, school affairs): decide on the principle and budget.
- DGS (Director General of Services): frames operational aspects and coordinates services.
- DST (Technical Services Department): manages technical aspects and installation.
- Public procurement department (in municipalities ≥ 3,500 inhabitants): drafts administrative documents.
- Public accountant (local authority treasurer): validates payment regularity.
Actual budget by configuration
The ranges below are indicative, calculated based on custom M1 manufacturing including fabric, tailoring, and installation accessories, excluding transport and external installation labor.
| Typical establishment | Configuration | Indicative Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Medium multi-purpose hall | Stage curtains + blackout 250 m² total | €8,000 to €18,000 |
| Large municipal multi-purpose hall | Stage curtains + blackout 400 m² + side drapes | €15,000 to €28,000 |
| Primary school (10 to 20 windows) | Classroom + canteen blackout | €4,000 to €10,000 |
| Middle or high school (common areas) | Auditorium + CDI + dining area blackout | €10,000 to €25,000 |
| Media library (auditorium + decor) | Conference room blackout + drapes | €3,000 to €8,000 |
| Town hall (areas open to the public) | Wedding hall + mayor's office | €2,000 to €7,000 |
| MJC or community center | Activity room + projection blackout | €5,000 to €15,000 |
These ranges include M1 classification in areas where it is required. The transition from M2 to M1 on a partial park represents a marginal cost increase of 5 to 15% depending on the volumes ordered.
Subsidies and multi-year funding
Several mechanisms facilitate the financing of fire-retardant curtain equipment in local authorities.
- DETR (Rural Territories Equipment Grant): eligible for rural municipalities and inter-municipal cooperation bodies with their own taxation, for upgrading municipal buildings.
- DSIL (Local Investment Support Grant): eligible for energy renovations and compliance, including fire safety.
- FCTVA (VAT Compensation Fund): allows partial recovery of VAT on eligible investments.
- PPI (Multi-Year Investment Plan): allows expenditure to be spread over 3 to 5 years, in line with safety commission visits.
Bringing a municipality's curtain inventory up to M1 standards can be presented as a fire safety action in a DETR or DSIL application, with the file submitted to the prefecture at the beginning of the calendar year.
Standard local authority specifications
A minimal set of specifications for a local authority curtain includes ten verifiable items.
- M1 or M2 classification by space (referring to articles AM 12 and AM 13 of the decree of June 25, 1980).
- Dated nominative classification report less than 5 years old, to be provided with delivery.
- Fabric composition (preference for intrinsically fire-retardant polyester for regularly washed areas).
- Exact dimensions measured by the supplier or jointly validated.
- Fixing system compatible with existing one (eyelets, tape, fasteners, rods).
- Colors from catalog or customization, sample validated before production.
- Minimum 5-year warranty on classification and manufacturing.
- Firm delivery time and installation conditions (by the local authority or by a partner installer).
- Standard local authority payment terms (administrative mandate, 30-day payment period).
- Identified after-sales service for maintenance and partial replacement.
Timeline for a local authority order
The annual rhythm of a local authority dictates a precise sequencing.
- January-March: preparation and vote on the initial budget. Expenditure allocated to investment section (durable equipment) or operating section depending on amount and depreciation.
- April-May: consultation with suppliers, quote requests, technical arbitrations with the DST.
- June-July: order and production launch, aiming for delivery outside school holidays for schools.
- August: delivery and installation, optimal period for school ERPs (summer holidays).
- September: commissioning and entry of the report into the safety register.
- October-December: preparation of the following year's budget if the operation is part of a multi-year PPI.
How Kurtens works with local authorities
Kurtens provides a quote within 24 hours for any local authority consultation, supplies technical datasheets and the fabric manufacturer's report from the study phase, and offers color and material samples upon request. M1 certification is available upon request, with the additional cost integrated into the quote without a separate line item. No minimum order is imposed.
Payment by administrative mandate is accepted within standard public procurement deadlines. Delivery conditions are specified in the quote. Installation is not carried out directly by Kurtens, which can refer to partner installers in the region.
To start a project, see the custom fire-retardant curtains page or request a B2B quote.
Frequently Asked Questions about fire-retardant curtains in local authorities
What is the difference between a local authority curtain and a hotel curtain?
The difference is not in the fabric but in the purchasing framework and usage. A hotel curtain is ordered by a private buyer, on a commercial budget, with a strong demand for consistent aesthetic across multiple rooms. A local authority curtain goes through a regulated public budget, often for event use (multi-purpose hall) or educational use (school), and prioritizes maximum lifespan over decorative refinement. Both fall under the same M1/M2 regulations but with distinct processes and budgets.
Can a town hall purchase without formal competitive bidding?
Yes, below the formal procedure threshold updated annually by the Legal Affairs Department of Bercy. The best practice recommended by the regional audit courts is still to request at least three quotes and keep the documents on file. Above the threshold, an adapted procedure (MAPA) or a formal procedure is required.
What is the standard delivery time for a local authority curtain order?
Allow 4 to 8 weeks between the signing of the purchase order and delivery for a standard project, longer if production involves custom dyeing or a foreign fabric manufacturer. For delivery aligned with the school year start (primary, middle, high school), placing the order by the end of June at the latest allows for smooth installation in August.
Does the State subsidize the purchase of fire-retardant curtains for compliance?
Not as such, but the expenditure can fall within broader schemes. The DETR covers compliance work for municipal buildings in eligible territories, while the DSIL funds renovations and compliance, including fire safety. The file must be submitted to the prefecture at the beginning of the calendar year, with quotes and an operational plan.
Is a recent report required for presentation to the municipal safety commission?
The report must be nominative and dated. Standard NF P 92-507 does not set a legal validity period, but control bodies (Bureau Veritas, Apave, Socotec) recommend a report less than 5 years old. For new orders, require a report dated the current or previous year. Details in our article on verifying a fire-retardant curtain.
Do schools have different constraints than other ERPs?
Schools fall under ERP type R (educational establishments and boarding schools). Articles AM 11 to AM 13 (by space) apply as to all ERPs. A specific decree for type R exists and may add requirements to be checked on a case-by-case basis with the establishment's control office before drafting the specifications. The practical rule is to opt for M2 on circulation areas and rooms > 50 m², and M1 on stages and platforms if applicable.
Regulatory note: this article presents the universal requirements applicable to curtains in local authority ERPs via articles AM 11 to AM 13 of the decree of June 25, 1980. Specific decrees by ERP type (R, L, S, W) may add requirements to be checked on a case-by-case basis with an approved control office. This article does not substitute for such consultation.
To start an equipment project for your community: request a B2B quote. Response within 24 hours, volume discounts, M1 certification on request, CSTB or IFTH report included with delivery, administrative order accepted.
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