Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

The Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services which following an unsuccessful procurement exercise, sought approval to complete a direct award to Virgin for a continuation of the existing wide area network and connectivity provision to the Council for a up to a 36-month period, whilst Sefton reviews the contractual requirements of the Council and considers alternative procurement options. This may include the opportunity to procure at a regional level within the Liverpool City Region.

Decision Made: That

1)       the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services be granted delegated authority to make a direct award for 2 + optional 1 year contract via a CSS Framework to the Council’s current provider to ensure the continuation of the current services in relation to the Councils Corporate Internet and Wide Area Network provision; and

2)       the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services be granted delegated authority to award the one-year extension if deemed appropriate.

Reasons for the Decision:

To ensure continuation of services

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

To re-issue the tender to market - Due to the time required to complete another tender exercise and the subsequent timeline for implementation, this would not be possible prior to the end of the current contractual arrangement. This option would also not allow the Council to take the opportunity potentially afforded by a regional procurement across the Liverpool City Region.