IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Tender description

Yorkshire Water Services Ltd (YWS) are seeking partners to operate on a framework for the provision of IT infrastructure goods and services. When in place, this framework will provide YWS with the ability to access a full range of IT infrastructure services (from advice and guidance, through design, delivery and operation) from a small number of partners. — those services will be accessed through competitive in framework mini-tenders which the partners can elect to participate in, — the framework will also provide direct sourcing of commodity IT infrastructure goods and services through a catalogue-style arrangement. This framework covers the IT infrastructure needs identified for the next 3 years, which in turn underpin all of YWS’ business operations, ensuring systems are available, reliable, secure, and operating cost-effectively. This framework is intended for a duration of 3 years, with the possibility of a 3-year extension, followed by a further 2-year extension. YWS are seeking to modernise and transform their underlying IT infrastructure to support the application delivery pipeline and improve speed to market. This modernisation has a focus on delivering more software-defined architectures and infrastructure automation, improving workflows and enhancing continuous performance monitoring. As part of UK Critical National Infrastructure, YWS are focused on delivering a secure service which is both cost effective while empowering its customers to help change the shape of the business. YWS intend to implement a framework involving a small number of partners, who collectively will provide access to a broad set of goods, services and capabilities in IT infrastructure. YWS seek partners with a strong track record in some, or all, of the following: — enterprise datacentre, hybrid cloud, DevOps and digital transformation, with access to a range of solutions and vendors to deliver YWS’ requirements; IT infrastructure modernization and consolidation (e.g. SAN, Compute and Backup converged into single platforms), — primary network services for data and voice, including routing, switching, mobile and wireless, — infrastructure security for the digital era, including SOC integration, — rapid deployment of wireless resources, pop-up branches, secure BYOD workplace, wireless surveys and spectrum analysis and innovative technologies new to market, — IaaS and PaaS, — software-defined architectures and infrastructure automation; self-healing and self-optimising infrastructure; self-service/self-provisioning of IT infrastructure, — analytics technologies to forecast and nullify incidents before they occur; full visibility and contextual analytics across users, devices and apps, to drive proactive decision-making, — optimisation and support of legacy IT infrastructure, — capabilities to source and deploy infrastructure quickly, efficiently, and securely, — expert consultants and training capabilities to embed new skills within YWS (e.g. PowerShell and REST scripting), — experience implementing and servicing technology in organisations like YWS, with a large field-based workforce, large customer contact centre, extensive plant infrastructure and remote office/branch office locations, — capabilities across the full product lifecycle, including strategy, design and architecture, project delivery, flexible support and maintenance services and continuous improvement of infrastructure services, — proofs of concept and innovations, — end-user computing strategy and delivery, — burst resource capability (e.g. IT infrastructure architects and engineers), — ancillary goods and services relating to IT infrastructure. Under this framework, YWS intend to build truly collaborative partnerships with those appointed. You will be advising on strategy and roadmaps, helping change the shape of IT at YWS. You will be YWS’ trusted guides, influencing people at all levels within the organisation to foster innovation and new ways of working. You will help YWS deliver their business plan and customer needs, with a commitment to delivering value over the lifetime of the contract. Please note that YWS are not seeking bids from joint ventures. Rather, YWS intend to appoint partners who will be wholly responsible and accountable for delivering and managing contracted work, irrespective of whether solutions are sourced direct from OEMs, distributors or other partners. Once the framework is in place, those services will be accessed through competitive mini-tenders which the appointed partners can elect to participate in. Whether your organisation offers all of the above, or a subset, YWS are interested in hearing from you. These goods and services will be accessed through competitive mini-tenders which the partners can elect to participate in. The framework will also involve direct sourcing of commodity IT infrastructure goods and services through a catalogue-style arrangement.