Framework Agreement for the Provision of Digital Connectivity Services

Concepts

• wide area network
• motherwell
• north lanarkshire
• provision of digital connectivity services
• telecommunications services
• service delivery
• additional services
• future ict services
• traffic light connectivity
• initial services

Location

Across the geographical boundaries of North Lanarkshire Council area

Description

"The Council is embarking on a landmark investment in digital infrastructure and services to ensure it has access to unlock the potential for cost savings, improved productivity, enhanced service delivery and ensuring the Council is at the forefront of being an attractive, modern and inclusive touchpoint for its citizens. The Council is therefore procuring a long term single supplier Framework Agreement to support the Council's ambition to: i) enhance the coverage and reach of gigabit networks across North Lanarkshire, ii) drive the take up of gigabit networks, iii) create choice and competition for those living, learning, working, investing and visiting North Lanarkshire, and iv) ensure North Lanarkshire's digital infrastructure is future proof and will lead to smart and sustainable outcomes. The Framework Agreement will enable the Council (and any of the contracting authorities identified at Section VI.3) to access the following initial and future ICT services from the Service Provider over the duration of the Framework Agreement: Initial Services - Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity (Call-Off 1) - Fibre connectivity to ‘Analogue Sites’ (Call-Off 2) - Fibre connectivity to CCTV sites (Call-Off 3) - Internet access (Call-Off 4) - Indoor and public WiFi (Call-Off 5). Future ICT Services may include: - Pilot / concept projects. - Traffic light connectivity - Active bandwidth services to Analogue only sites - Enterprise telephony (fixed, cellular, analogue circuit replacement) - Social / affordable broadband - Private 5G - Provision of Public WiFi in Corporate and Education sites - Internet of Things (IoT) networks and other ‘Smart Place’ initiatives to support the Councils digital ambition - Data centre services - Azure Express Route services - Security services - Cloud connectivity - Remote access - Network services. from the Service Provider over the duration of the Framework Agreement.

Total Quantity or Scope

"North Lanarkshire has a vision for inclusive growth and prosperity for all and an ambition for North Lanarkshire to be the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit. It is to this end that the Council is embarking on a landmark investment in digital infrastructure and services through a procurement of a long term, single supplier Framework Agreement to enhance the provision of digital infrastructure across North Lanarkshire. The Council require to deliver a step change in connectivity services, primarily through the provision of symmetrical fibre connectivity to its schools, public buildings and strategic assets ensuring that the Council has access to the latest and fastest digital connectivity services, unlocking the potential for cost savings, improved productivity and enhanced service delivery, ensuring that the Council is at the forefront of being an attractive, modern and inclusive touchpoint for its citizens. The Council intends to utilise the Framework Agreement to support the Council's ambition to: … The purpose of establishing the Framework Agreement is is to source a long term partnership with a Service Provider to deliver the Council’s connectivity needs, both now and well into the future while stimulating the commercial deployment of gigabit capable networks in unserved areas. Initial call-off contracts under the proposed Framework Agreement will cover the provision of the following connectivity services: - Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity (Call-Off … 5). It is anticipated that additional services such as concept pilots, mobile telephony, fixed telephony, traffic lights, IoT etc may be required in the future, although the Council does not guarantee the award of future call-off contracts. The Council reserves the right to modify the scope of ICT Services in the future as our needs evolve. The estimated value of the Framework Agreement is 150,000,000 GBP over the proposed duration of the Framework Agreement (including all extensions) but there is no guarantee of this level of business and spend through the Framework Agreement. TUPE - 4.8.1 Candidates should note that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/246) ("TUPE") will not apply to the Framework Agreement or for the initial call-off contracts but may potentially apply to future call-off contracts. Further information on TUPE is provided in Section 4.8 of the ITC document. Further details of this opportunity are set out in the procurement documents. Please see Section V1.3 for details relating to the SPD and other procurement documents being released at this stage. Additional information: Candidates should read and refer to the Instructions to Candidates for completing the SPD document (ITC). Failure to comply with the ITC may result in a Candidate's SPD submission being rejected. Candidates may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Renewal Options

The proposed Framework Agreement will be awarded for an initial period of 15 years, thereafter the Council will have the option to extend the term for a further period of up to a maximum of 5 years. Any period(s) of extension will be at the Council's sole discretion.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 72720000 - Wide area network services
• 64200000 - Telecommunications services
• 72400000 - Internet services
• 64210000 - Telephone and data transmission services
• 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
• 32410000 - Local area network
• 72710000 - Local area network services
• 64227000 - Integrated telecommunications services
• 72315000 - Data network management and support services
• 72315100 - Data network support services
• 72315200 - Data network management services
• 72222300 - Information technology services
• 32250000 - Mobile telephones
• 72212730 - Security software development services
• 72600000 - Computer support and consultancy services
• 32412110 - Internet network
• 32420000 - Network equipment
• 48000000 - Software package and information systems
• 50312300 - Maintenance and repair of data network equipment

Indicators

• This is a recurring contract.
• Options are available.
• Renewals are available.
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Technical restrictions apply.

Legal Justification

The Council recognise its obligations under Reg 33(3) of the PC(S)R 2015 and due to investment required by Service Providers a 15 Year Framework term with the option to extend for a further 5 years at the discretion of the Council should ensure that maximum investment is secured for the delivery of initial and future digital connectivity services.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** Section I.2 – Other contracting authorities who can use the Framework Agreement include, but may not be limited to: (a) Fusion Assets Ltd; (b) North Lanarkshire Properties LLP; (c) Routes to Work; (d) North Lanarkshire Municipal Bank Ltd; (e) North Lanarkshire affiliated local Housing Associations, including but not limited to West Of Scotland Housing Ass, Clyde Valley Housing Ass and Sanctuary Housing Ass; and (f) Any other future Council-affiliated ALEOS, established throughout the duration of the proposed FA. Section I.3 - Access to the procurement documents: The Instructions to Candidates (ITC) and the other procurement docs being released at this stage can be accessed via PCS-T Supplier Attachment Area. The draft Invitation to Tender (ITT) is being released at this stage to explain the proposed approach to the procurement process and does not amount to an invitation to submit an Initial Tender. Additional information on the procurement is located in the PCS-T Supplier Attachment Area. It is in each Candidate’s interest to access the information as soon as possible. The services described in II.2.4 may be delivered Across the geographical boundaries of North Lanarkshire Council area. Part II – Information Concerning the Bidder A: Information About the Bidder; B: Information About Representatives of the Bidder; C: Information About Reliance on the Capacities of Other Entities; and D: Information Concerning Sub-contractors on Whose Capacity the Bidder Does Not Rely. Minimum level(s) of standards required: The information required in Part II of the SPD is for information only and therefore will not be assessed. Candidates must ensure that they submit appropriate SPDs completed by other members of the group, if they are submitting a SPD as part of a group and others on whose capacity they rely, to satisfy any aspect of the SPD. Part VI – Concluding statements Minimum level(s) of standards required: Candidates unable to complete this part of the SPD may be excluded from the Procurement. Disclaimer The Council is not liable for any costs incurred, including in respect of expressing an interest, participating in negotiation or in tendering for this opportunity. The Council reserves the right to terminate the procurement (or any part of it) at its own discretion. The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this procurement exercise. The Project code is 18666. For more information see:http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see:http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2361 The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this PQQ exercise. The Project code is 18666. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363 Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2361 A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: The Council is looking for the delivery of community benefits which support the investment and added value to be delivered through the Framework and which maximise opportunities and achieve social and economic outcomes and impact across North Lanarkshire. The Council expect this community benefit approach to be an integral component over the lifetime of the procurement, complementing the Added Value outcomes that the Service Provider will bring. For the purposes of this procurement the Council would expect community benefits within this Contract to be digitally focused, and delivered through the training and development of residents, communities and businesses across North Lanarkshire to enhance digital skills & capabilities. Futher details will be provided in the procurement documentation.. (SC Ref:652044)