Management Information Sheet

Further to the November update we have closed competitive dialogue and the three tender responses will be submitted on 2nd December 2015 for evaluation. The contract will be awarded on 22nd December 2015.

Next steps - the new proposition

In January we will write to schools with details of the successful bidder and the broadband proposition for individual schools explaining what this means and next steps. We'll work with the successful bidder to provide clear supporting information so it is easy to understand the services offered, how they are delivered and what they cost.

Contract Clarification - current schools' contracts with NCC until 31st March 2016 and next steps process

• The school's current contract with NCC ceases at 31st March 2016.
• This means schools do not need to give notice to cease this contract, it will NOT automatically roll forward to the new supplier.

In early January the successful bidder will contact schools with the proposal for your individual school with the option to upgrade. The choices for schools and governing bodies to consider will be:

• Option 1
  Accept the new offer and any upgrades you choose including upgraded connection
• Option 2
  If your school wishes to investigate alternative options - then accept a contract for a transition period on the same connection - minimum period 31st July 2016 without penalty whilst you make alternative arrangements.
  If your own tendering process doesn't deliver better value for money - you will still be able to sign up for the new proposal from the NCC supplier for a full contract
• Option 3
  Leave at 31st March 2016 and make your own arrangements ie all NCC services will cease at 31st March 2016.

For other schools that are not currently on the Norfolk service that are interested in the new contract will have the option to opt into the new contract when their current contract ceases.

As we said above technically you do not need to give notice however to ensure continuity of service for the school, allow time to make meaningful decisions and assess comparative quotes but at the same time ensure NCC doesn't incur unnecessary cost, we will be asking schools to tell us which of the above options applies by 31st January 2016. This will also mean that the new supplier can complete their project planning and start upgrading services.

Benefits of the new contract

• Saves time

  The new has been tendered via the European Union competitive dialogue process schools can buy from the new NCC framework without getting alternative quotes.

• Peace of mind

  The contract has been fully checked in terms of security, DPA, legalities, terms and conditions, optimal solutions and choice by industry, legal and procurement experts so you don't have to worry about these areas.

• Economies of scale in price and investment

  Schools will benefit from the economies of scale of the combined value of the contract for schools, NCC, SNDC, Breckland, GYBC and Norwich City Council. This not only means in terms of price but also the level of investment in infrastructure in the county which will futureproof the technology solutions available now and in the future for schools.

• Geographical discounts

  Suppliers will be offering geographical area discounts so that schools will benefit from aggregated pricing but also improved technologies related to the more schools that buy in.

• One size does not fit all

  - granular approach - choice of options to buy and pay for the services your school wants. The new contract will be direct with the supplier so you can control when you want to change or purchase additional services.

• Increased choice of services to complement and enhance the ICT experience in schools.

  Increased use of ICT and services such as YouTube together with the ability for staff and in some cases learners to move seamlessly between sites means complementary service options such mobile device management, managed wireless could be beneficial.

For more information on the major differences and benefits of the new contact please click here

More information about the procurement timeline and the key success criteria are available at the respective hyperlinks or on the ICT Shared Services website at www.ict.norfolk.gov.uk

Please contact ICT Shared Services by email ict@norfolk.gov.uk. Once the contract is awarded then the information will be more specific and costed for individual schools.