Managed Network Services

Competitive Flexible Procedure conducted for Managed Network Services, based on the below.

This Procurement aims to replace the existing network technology while maintaining the same operating model to meet the Authority's evolving needs, which include hybrid working, an evolving real estate and defending against increasing cyber threats.
The Authority requires a modern and well managed enterprise network solution that is designed, built, and managed based on effective security principles. The Solution will need to ensure that there is robust protection whilst maintaining a quality service experience to our Users and their various working styles.
The wider adoption of hybrid working has seen the traditional perimeter of the network extend outside of our buildings. This change needs to be reflected in the security of the network, thereby securing the User and their Device as well as the traditional elements of the network.
The Services must provide consistent and reliable connections that are scalable and flexible, both operationally and commercially, to accommodate changes in usage and demand at all Sites both now and in the future.
The Procurement aims to consolidate contract management through operating a unified Managed Network Service for the Sites. The Provider must provide a reliable and consistent Service, including a managed service "wrap" founded on proactive support, open and transparent communication, strategic alignment with the Authority's business goals, and accurate data and reporting. This will enable the Authority to gain insights from the Provider on how to reduce costs and carbon emissions while promoting innovation during the life of the Contract.
The Services must minimise network reliance on specific Sites through reducing on premise infrastructure. The Authority will work with the Provider to reduce network-related carbon emissions annually and to minimise costs associated with Sites by leveraging cloud infrastructure and enabling working for business continuity.

This Contract will require the Provider to replace the network components at each Site, i.e. Wi-Fi, LAN and WAN to achieve the Authority's aims and outcomes.
The Authority currently has various contracts in place to provide network services for circa 175 sites. The 175 Sites in scope comprise 127 under an existing managed services contract with the remainder, known as New Sites, having unmanaged services.
There are c.9000 Authority Users who can use the network daily, along with General Public and Guest Users.
It is anticipated, that during the life of this contract/framework, the LGR process will commence and/or progress potentially impacting this contract/framework. Impacts may include, but are not limited to, modifications such as a transfer of the legal entity you currently contract with, significant increases and/or decreases in the value/volume of goods/services/works required due to the change in size/scope of the Contracting Authority, and/or changes to the scope of the nature of goods/services/works required. Although any contract scope changes should broadly relate to the nature of the existing scope, new goods/services/works of a related nature may be required that were not previously included.
The contracting authority is Essex County Council and any Successor Body meaning one or more entities which assumes any of the Council's functions (as applicable) as a result of Local Government Reform (LGR). Such successor body or bodies may be, without limitation, a local authority, a combined authority, a combined county authority, a strategic authority or any other status determined pursuant to the Devolution and LGR Legislation.
The scale and exact timing of the changes are unknown at this point, but it is known that LGR will impact the County of Essex. All suppliers who work with the Authority need to be aware and where possible, work with the Authority to adapt to any changes/modifications as required to ensure smooth transition and continuity of services.
The standstill period for this requirement will commence on 30th March 2026 and will finish at midnight at the end of 13th April 2026.