Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the Director has decided to:

1)    Award a place on a sole supplier framework for the provision of ICT hardware and professional services to the winning bidder, as named in Appendix 2, commencing on 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of four years at a total estimated cost of up to £12m (excluding VAT).

Alternative options considered

1.1          Do nothing: This is not an option as the Council requires a supplier to provide hardware and associated professional services, which will give officers the tools they need in the course of their duties.

1.2          Award of an individual contract rather than a framework: A contract is not deemed viable as it would commit the Council to a level of spend which is not certain, whereas a framework is flexible and non-committal.

1.3          Multi-supplier framework rather than sole-supplier framework for hardware: Lessons learned with previous frameworks have demonstrated that a sole-supplier approach is the best value procurement method for hardware and services of this nature, as a partnership with one hardware supplier delivers best value due to deal registrations and reseller-hardware vendor relationships.