Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.3.2, for the award of contract to Influential Software Services LTD for Business Objects (BOXI) Support from 01/05/2026 to 30/04/2027, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 30/04/2028.

The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5, and the winning bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council.

Decision

That, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.3.2, a contract be awarded to Influential Software Services LTD for Business Objects (BOXI) Support from 01/05/2026 to 30/04/2027, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 30/04/2028.

(ii)       That the Procurement 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 failure to have a support contract for an essential reporting system would pose an unacceptable level of risk to the local authority.

Deliver in house: This option was considered and rejected due to a lack of in-house expertise to support the administration of the application.