Purpose

All submissions were evaluated following the interrogation of the G-Cloud 14 Framework Agreement (RM1557.14) – Lot 1 Cloud Hosting. This framework is a direct award only so no further competition can be used. WPC Software Limited was the highest scoring of the suppliers evaluated on price alone.

The contract price will be £27,140 pa with no set up costs as WPC Software Limited are the incumbent. This contract will be funded as part of the Coroners Service core budget. This will be a 36-month contract with an extension option of a further 12 months.

Overall Total Contract Value for 4 years, if the extension option is agreed, will be £108,560. As well as providing best value for money, the Council has an established and well-functioning arrangement under the current contract with WPC Software Limited, which has demonstrated reliable service delivery and effective contract management. Continuation of this provides operational stability and avoids costs and risks associated with transitioning to an alternative provider. Alternative options do not offer the same combination of value for money, proven performance and reduced risk

Decision

To award the Coroner Case Management Software contract to WPC Software Limited following a compliant procurement process for a period of 36 months with an extension option of 12 months. The award of this contract will allow the Coroner to provide an efficient and effective service to the residents of Greater Lincolnshire, as well as a value for money approach. Overall, this is the most appropriate option for the next contract.

Alternative options considered

1. Do Nothing – This is not viable because LCC has a responsibility under The Coroners & Justice Act (2009) to provide appropriate resources to the Coroner. LCC currently provides case management software to the Coroner to allow an efficient and effective service to the residents of Greater Lincolnshire, especially when they are going through a bereavement. 2. Not award to WPC Software Limited and consider an alternative procurement process – The framework selected contained all significant operators in this market and provided evidence of relevant criteria. There is no sound commercial basis to support any further competition, and it would likely negatively impact the market perception of LCC. There is also no guarantee that any of the significant operators would bid given that there is a framework in place.