A brand new Outsourced ICT framework is launched

CPC’s Outsourced ICT framework was launched on 7^th June 2021 and will run for an initial 2-year period, with two further 1 x year long extensions until 6^th June 2025.

It has been set up to allow member institutions access to a CPC led - education focused framework that is straightforward to use and has been built with the schools and academies sector in mind. The framework can be used to procure everything from remote technical support to ICT project management and even independent consultancy to assist in the appointment of such service providers.

It is split into the following two lots:

Lot 1: Outsourced ICT Services

This lot covers all services involved in providing an outsourced managed service for information communication technology. Provisions may be based on-site, remotely, or be a part of a hybrid solution. This includes but is not limited to:

• Remote and on-site service provision for proactive and reactive support including monitoring, incident managing, testing, fault fixing, backup and disaster recovery, data protection, patch management, etc.

• IT asset and configuration management, release management

• Supporting staff with new IT developments, IT procurement, service integration and management, set up of IT equipment (e.g. for use in lessons, assemblies, meetings) where there is an on-site requirement, advice etc.

• Project management and development of IT strategies & refreshment, and other additional ad-hoc requirements

Lot 2: Outsourced ICT Consultancy

• This lot is specifically for consultancy and design services where a solution is yet to be defined. The purpose of this lot is to appoint to an independent consultant organisation who can utilise expertise from a technical standpoint, offering objective recommendations to support a tendering process for an outsourced ICT service by working in conjunction with an institutions’ procurement staff

• Service is expected to culminate in a final objective report, which may be the result of (but is not limited to):

• Fact-finding processes, liaising with engineers and IT support staff, data analysis, determining information system requirements and defining project objectives

• Making recommendations such as suggesting appropriate hardware, software, systems, service levels etc.

• Compiling reports and presenting information, understanding practices and the objectives of the institution, assisting with the creation of IT strategies and the development of effective IT procedures, analysis of data and potential issues

• Assessment of security loopholes, obsolete assets, inefficiencies etc.

• Assisting with tendering processes from a technical standpoint, including providing technical advice to benefit tender clarifications and evaluation

The framework encompasses a broad range of different types of supplier, giving you access to SME’s, ICT specialists and audit/consulting specialists across the UK.

Members looking to utilise the framework can do so via mini-competition or through the mini-competition desktop calculator. It is highly recommended that member institutions speak to suppliers on the relevant lot prior to commencing any tender. This is so that you can gain a good understanding of what can be provided, what timescales they may need for the whole process and what added value the suppliers can bring alongside their core services.

Guidance documentation and supplier details can be viewed through the dedicated Outsourced ICT framework page but the successful suppliers are as follows:

We are excited to bring this new opportunity to our members and hope that we can work together to make it a success for all over the coming years.

Please see the dedicated Outsourced ICT framework page for further information, or if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Procurement Officer Lisa O’Shea on 0161 974 0947 or [email protected].