Information systems and servers

Tender description

The CPC has put a framework agreement in place with suitable manufacturers and resellers which will offer additional benefits through collaborative and innovative partnerships with our members. The framework agreement is for the supply of a wide range of networking equipment and the provision of support services, to be purchased continuously and in varying quantities during the contract period. All members heavily rely on having a robust ICT infrastructure/environment, research and academic applications. The CPC members spend on ICT through the current CPC framework agreements over the last 4 years was in excess of 180 000 000 GBP pounds sterling. The spend covers desktops, laptops, notebooks, networking hardware and services, data cabling and telecommunications equipment and services and software and licences. Approx. 26 000 000 GBP of this spend has gone through the Network Hardware and Services including servers and data storage. We anticipate use of the framework by members to increase as membership continues to grow. The purpose of the this framework agreement is to give full EU compliance and allow CPC members to purchase at a substantial and demonstrable discount relative to the marketplace throughout the term of the framework agreement. The framework discounts should apply to all equipment, spares and ancillary equipment. CPC Members currently change ICT model types, including components on a regular basis. Due to the current financial climate and budget reductions many members are keen to reduce the refresh period but to still maintain the optimum balance between longevity cost and technical advantage. The estimated total framework value is in the range of 10 000 000 GBP to 150 000 000 GBP, net of VAT over the next 4 years. The framework is divided into 6 lots: Lot 1 — Servers and Associated Equipment (Inc. server racking, cabinets and KVM) etc.). Lot 2 — Enterprise Storage (NAS, SAN etc.,). Lot 3 — Back up and Archiving. Lot 4 — Networking Equipment and Services (including but not limited to routers, hubs, switchers, wireless networking systems, LAN, virtualisation, cloud etc.). Lot 5 — Security Hardware (Inc. internet/email monitoring, firewall and network intrusion detection). Lot 6 — Maintenance, installations and support (As a stand alone requirement, not alongside the purchase of equipment). It is a requirement of the tender that the selected suppliers extend the terms to eligible Institutions and Consortia, as defined by the CPC including further education colleges/institutions, universities, sixth forms, academies. schools, museums and other similar organisations. CPC reserves the right during the period of this agreement to made alterations from the list of participating Institutions and Consortia. Current and future members of the CPC are from the education sector, the majority of whom will be on the open access EduBase public portal: http://education.gov.uk/educase/home.xhtml CPC used the In-Tend system to carry out this tender: http://in-tendhost.co.uk/CPC/aspx/Home CPC has awarded lots 1-5 to 15 suppliers and lot 6 to 16 suppliers.