Computer network services

Tender description

The successful supplier will be required to provide IT and Network services for Beeches Learning and Development Trust. The Beeches Learning and Development Trust (BLDT) is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in which Burnham Grammar is the lead and sponsor school. The MAT is a single legal entity and is the employer and holder of land titles and the trust board is accountable for all academies in the group, and made up of trustees, the majority of whom are current Burnham Grammar School governors. Beeches Learning and Development Trust may grow further, with a number of additional schools becoming part of the Trust during this contract period. The provision of IT and Network services at these schools, if they have joined the Trust, or ended their current IT and network services contract, will fall under the scope of this contract. The successful supplier will be expected to provide this service at these additional schools using the same costing model applied to the successful tender submission. The duration of contract for these schools will not be increased and they will join the contract for the remaining contract period that exists at the point of entry into the contract. The Trust is looking for an IT service partner that can not only manage and support the Trust’s IT network, both currently and in the future, but that also add value through proactive recommendations and enhancements that will support Beeches Learning and Development Trust’s strategy and growth. The aim is to support and enhance the current IT provision in schools, both for academic and administrative purposes. Proven expertise in the proactive development of IT systems in an educational environment is essential. The selected service provider shall be: — fully conversant with the latest and evolving legislation regarding the provision of IT and network services in a secondary and primary school environment, — required to evidence their quality assurance and security systems, — required to evidence their proposed key performance indicator measures for the contract, — required to periodically present performance reporting and systems development recommendations to Trustees, — qualified to provide advice and support school IT and network services hardware and software procurement activities, — capable of network re-design and managing the migration to a brand new school building in October 2021. The contract will provide onsite support, including maintenance, via the on-site technician/s located in school 5 days a week 39 weeks of the year. Comprehensive off-site system support is required 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Maintenance and system development activities shall be undertaken out with the 190 academic term-time days to minimise any disruption to pupil education and teaching activities. The contract will commence on 1.8.2020 for an initial period of 3 years, ending 31.7.2023, with the opportunity to extend for a further period of up to 2 years at the discretion of the governing body. The contract will provide technical management and on-site technicians, to the school’s ICT Infrastructure, including: — full server support and monitoring, — fully managed helpdesk with remote support, — full workstation support, software support, hardware support and repairs, — staff, governor’s and student email accounts and access setup and managed, — proactive contract management to ensure best value for money across all areas of the Trust management systems and utilities, — MIS support (including SAGE finance system, SIMS, VoIP phone and cashless catering systems), — 24/7/365 network monitoring with call out and emergency 24/7/365 contact. The contract will be monitored by Trust senior representatives. After the initial consultation and evaluation by the new supplier, regular fortnightly meetings will be held with the on-site technician to discuss day to day issues and actions taken and scheduled. TUPE will apply with regard to the network manager (52 weeks) and IT Technician (39+3 weeks) currently employed for the provision of network services. It is anticipated that the service provider will be available to train and coach staff, where needed, in the use of new hardware/software as it is introduced. There may be occasions where the technician is required to provide support in ICT classes. This will be planned and added in to the work schedule.