Issue details

Proposed decision:

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services is asked to:

i.       APPROVE the award of a contract for the provision of network and telecommunication connectivity services for a period of 4 years, from 8 August 2024 to 7 August 2028, with the option for a contract extension of a further 3 years from 8 August 2028 to 7 August 2031, which will continue to be managed by the Kent Public Services Network Partnership.

ii.      DELEGATE authority to the Director of Technology, to finalise terms of and award contracts to the successful provider and to approve, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, the exercise of any extensions permitted within the agreed contacts; and

iii.     DELEGATE authority to the Director of Technology to take other relevant actions, including but not limited to entering into contracts and other legal agreements, as required to implement the decision.

Reason for the decision

The Kent Public Services Network (KPSN) contract with Daisy Updata Communications Ltd (DUCL), part of Capita plc, is due to expire in August 2024. This decision will enable the award of the replacement contract for the next 4 years (maximum 7 years).

Background

KPSN is a self-funding, single ICT network delivering Wide Area Network (WAN), broadband and internet connectivity services to in excess of 1500 establishments, 500,000+ users, across 32 Kent partners (public sector organisations), including fire stations, schools, local Government offices, universities, colleges and health organisations.

In August 2014, KCC awarded a 10-year contract to DUCL to be the Service Provider of the KPSN network.

In September 2022, KPSN issued a Prior Invitation Notice (PIN) and conducted market engagement sessions with 8 network and communication suppliers, to ascertain an understanding of what the network and telecommunications market can provide and what has changed in terms of service offerings since the last contract was procured.

In August 2023, KPSN proposed a business case to KCC, recommending that the KPSN contract should be reprocured on a like for like basis via further competition on the YPO 976 framework, with a provision of continued flexibility to allow partners to migrate to KPSN provided Cloud services as and when required.

Options

A full options appraisal included direct award to an incumbent provider via a compliant framework, further competition via an alternative compliant framework and a full Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) Tender.

How the proposed decision supports the Interim Strategic Plan:

This decision will maintain continuity of critical business processes and services by continuing to provide connectivity and telecommunication services  to Kent County Council and 31 other Kent based public sector organisations.

KPSN are in the process of completing a full competitive procurement process which will ensure the market is thoroughly tested and ensures the awarded contract will continue to provide best value for money.