Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that 1) a three-year contract for a new WAN data connection contract with an optional 2-year extension be awarded,

2) delegated power be granted to the Chief Executive Officer to select the preferred supplier following the procurement exercise.

Executive considered a detailed report, presented by the Portfolio Holder for Resources, which sought Members’ approval to sign a three-year contract, with an optional two year extension contract, to renew the wide area network (WAN) data connections.

Wide area network (WAN) data connection links provided network connectivity to the Council offices and outlying offices. The current contract was due for renewal. A tender process would be completed, following procurement rules using a procurement framework, during April and May, to select a provider.

New connections usually had a minimum three year term and include installation costs. The approximate value of the contract over three years would be £80,000. If extended for an additional two years it would be approximately £133,000 in total. The Authority would be billed annually, quarterly, or monthly.

Moved by Councillor Clive Moesby and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED that: 1) a three-year contract for a new WAN data connection contract with an optional 2-year extension be awarded,

2)    delegated power be granted to the Chief Executive Officer to select the preferred supplier following the procurement exercise.

Reasons for Recommendation

Renewing the contract was likely to reduce the cost of the connections.

The procurement would request to renew three authorities’ connections at once which usually makes the contract more attractive to suppliers, usually securing a better price for the Authority.

The new contract would be completed following the Authority’s procurement tender process and would be awarded via a procurement framework.

By entering into a three year agreement, the prices were fixed and did not increase yearly.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

Continue with the current supplier, however, this would not provide any cost reductions to the Council and would continue to increase yearly.