Decision

To award the contract following required procurement procedures

Reasons for the decision

Supplier offered best value for money when meeting needs required

Alternative options considered

The preferred option is to award a contract to the Provider, as it offers the best value for money while maintaining service continuity. Alternative options, including a longer-term agreement and a new procurement exercise, were rejected due to higher costs and reduced commercial benefits. The do nothing option was also rejected, as the current contract will expire and place the Council's IT Service Management service at risk