Issue - items at meetings - Wide Area Network Procurement

Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached).

(1)         That Cabinet approves the procurement of a new Wide Area Network contract to replace the Data element of the existing Voice and Data contract in August 2013. The period of the contract will be 5 years with an option to extend for a further period of up to 2 years.

(2)         That Cabinet authorises the procurement to take place jointly with East Sussex County Council and potentially other (as yet unidentified) local public sector partners under suitable contractual arrangements.

(3)         That Cabinet grants delegated authority to award the new Wide Area Network contract to the Strategic Director, Resources.

46.1         The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources seeking approval to procure a new Wide Area Network contract in compliance with EU and UK Public Procurement legal requirements.

46.2         Councillor J Kitcat advised that the proposals would enable increased flexibility and partnership working.

46.3         In response to a question from Councillor Mitchell regarding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations, Councillor J Kitcat explained that the procurement would have to follow the OJEU tender process and that bids from all sectors were welcomed, but would have to meet the necessary requirements. He added that the council encouraged open procurement and that bids from not-for profit organisations, social enterprises and other similar organisations were welcomed and, wherever possible, would be considered.

46.4         RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1)         That Cabinet approves the procurement of a new Wide Area Network contract to replace the Data element of the existing Voice and Data contract in August 2013. The period of the contract will be 5 years with an option to extend for a further period of up to 2 years.

(2)         That Cabinet authorises the procurement to take place jointly with East Sussex County Council and potentially other (as yet unidentified) local public sector partners under suitable contractual arrangements.

(3)         That Cabinet grants delegated authority to award the new Wide Area Network contract to the Strategic Director, Resources