Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek
approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 9, for the
award of contract to Aimes Management Services Limited for the
provision of a virtual firewall and internet breakout from 01
November 2023 to 31 March 2026, including options to extend for
further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate,
to 31 March 2027.
 
The reason for the decision is that a
compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance
with Contract Procedure Rule 9, and the winning bidder has been
identified as providing the most economically advantageous offer to
the Council.

Decision

(i)   
That, in accordance
with Contract Procedure Rule 9, a contract be awarded to Aimes
Management Services Limited for the provision of a virtual firewall
and internet breakout for a period of 29 months with the option to
extend the contract for a further period of 12 months;
and.

 
(ii)   
That the Procurement /
Information Technology Team / Legal Team be authorised to make the
necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract
documentation.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing: This option was
considered and rejected due to the existing hardware and software
arrangements will start to expire on 31st March
2023.
 
Deliver in house: This option
is not viable due to the relocation of the core IT infrastructure
and the best practice to co-locate these services.