ESCC - HP - SEGfL Software Framework

Description

The Council / SEGfL are seeking a service provider for a software framework that will offer a range of software solutions to the users of the framework via an online portal. The intended commencement date for the framework is 2nd January 2025, for a period of 3+1 years. The framework will be promoted by SEGfL as a founding member of the National Educational Network (NEN) to over 32,000 educational establishments in the UK. The list of titles is not yet fully determined and will expand over the term of this arrangement. It will be drawn from all categories of software used in educational establishments, local authorities, and VCSE / 3rd sector organisations. This will include, but not be limited to: • Microsoft and other application licensing; • Firewall, Anti-virus and other security software; • Commercial and educational filtering products and licenses; • Educational software; and • Other commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software; Related services for software purchased under the framework, or software already deployed by a user of the framework will also be made available under this software framework including but not limited to the following: • Support and maintenance; • Renewals of existing software subscriptions; • Software asset management; Hardware and appliances that are required to fully utilise the software will also be made available under this software framework, but only insofar that they are integral to the solution being sought. The main objectives of the framework are: • For users of the software framework to benefit from preferential discounting and pricing that they would otherwise be unlikely able to achieve individually, via the aggregated spend on software by users of the framework; • To provide users with a purchasing website (portal) presenting an appropriate software catalogue based on framework user type, co-branded as a SEGfL service; • The portal to deliver a fast, simple and compliant route for users to direct award orders through; • For the successful supplier to support management of the software framework by suggesting software titles / solutions, negotiating prices and terms with software vendors, marketing the framework to users, managing licences, recording transactions and reporting regularly to the Contracting Authority / SEGfL. Key drivers for this service are: • To save educational establishments and other framework users money through aggregation; • The requirement of educational establishments and other framework users to receive assistance in the complex area of licensing requirements and management; • To make this software framework and associated supplier portal the online procurement service of choice for educational establishments and other framework users. The Contracting Authority / SEGfL intends that the successful framework supplier shall act with SEGfL members to develop this service with educational establishments and other users. Ideally, the supplier will be accredited by major software houses, experienced in portal management and online sales, have a good track record in marketing to educational establishments and other public sector users and be experienced in tracking and reporting its activities. It is intended that the framework can be utilised by the following entities: Educational establishments listed here: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Search?SelectedTab=Establishments and updated from time to time Local Authorities including County Councils, City Councils, District Councils, Borough Councils, Unitary Authorities, Metropolitan Districts and London Boroughs listed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6401d6a6d3bf7f25f813fc3a/List_of_councils_in_England_2023.pdf and updated from time to time Parish, Community and Town Councils Third Sector Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprises (VCSE) Lot 1: As detailed in the procurement documents.