Kent Public Services Network

Description

Kent County Council (KCC) seeks input from the market to inform the scoping of a potential procurement opportunity concerning networking and communications for the next iteration of the Kent Public Services Network (KPSN) Partnership. KPSN is a partnership created by KCC and provides regional infrastructure WAN and Data Centre services that delivers opportunities to transform public sector services in Kent and other areas. Increasing collaboration and integration of services is at the heart of transformation in the public sector. KPSN provides the perfect vehicle to drive this evolution in service delivery in terms of the scale and depth of services, and the broad representation of its existing partners. Lot 1: Kent County Council (KCC) seeks input from the market to inform the scoping of a potential procurement opportunity concerning networking and communications for the next iteration of the Kent Public Services Network (KPSN) Partnership. KPSN is a partnership created by KCC and provides a regional infrastructure WAN and Data Centre services that delivers opportunities to transform public sector services in Kent and other areas. Increasing collaboration and integration of services is at the heart of transformation in the public sector. KPSN provides the perfect vehicle to drive this evolution in service delivery in terms of the scale and depth of services, and the broad representation of its existing partners. Typical KPSN Partners are Regional, District Borough and County councils, Blue Lights services, Schools together with FE and HE Partners, Charities, NHS and other medical services. KPSN has been in existence since 2008 and early emphasis was purely around establishing the network, managing the contract (which provides and maintains the network) and building the Partnership with a core of partners that were willing to invest in the principles and opportunities that the KPSN model provides. Having established this firm foundation over a few years, KPSN then entered into a 10-year service contract in 2014 (internally known as ‘KPSN2’) which is due to expire in August 2024. Kent County Council (KCC) seeks input from the market to inform the scoping of a potential procurement opportunity concerning networking and communications for the next iteration of the Kent Public Services Network (KPSN) Partnership. KPSN is a partnership created by KCC and provides a regional infrastructure WAN and Data Centre services that delivers opportunities to transform public sector services in Kent and other areas. Increasing collaboration and integration of services is at the heart of transformation in the public sector. KPSN provides the perfect vehicle to drive this evolution in service delivery in terms of the scale and depth of services, and the broad representation of its existing partners. Typical KPSN Partners are Regional, District Borough and County councils, Blue Lights services, Schools together with FE and HE Partners, Charities, NHS and other medical services. KPSN has been in existence since 2008 and early emphasis was purely around establishing the network, managing the contract (which provides and maintains the network) and building the Partnership with a core of partners that were willing to invest in the principles and opportunities that the KPSN model provides. Having established this firm foundation over a few years, KPSN then entered into a 10-year service contract in 2014 (internally known as ‘KPSN2’) which is due to expire in August 2024. KCC’s Intention for the next iteration of KPSN (internally known as ‘KPSN3’) is to continue to provide all KPSN partners with modern, flexible, cost-effective technology solutions for a wide range of Managed Network and Connectivity based services, including, but not limited to, SIP services, Network and Cyber Security Services, connectivity and Managed infrastructure support, innovation services together with a range of Hardware support including but not limited to, Desktops, laptops, Audio Visual suppliers to engage with us on market innovation, service delivery models and their service offering. Partners may require services specific to their sector, such as, but not limited to, HSCN or similar, for our Health and Social Care partners or commercial opportunities as required. Currently the services are delivered via a single agreement and KCC wish to explore how KPSN may deliver the services in the next contract. Suppliers are invited to attend 1:1 sessions to present suggestions, technologies and models on how best to provide connectivity and services based on today’s KPSN deliverables. This should also include market innovation and market trends, including how suppliers have assisted customers with any impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, changes in working models with Remote Working and whatever other insights suppliers wish to provide. Market engagement sessions will take place remotely via MS Teams w/c 12 and 19 September 2022, in 1 hour sessions. KCC will engage with a maximum of 15 suppliers and, if supplier interest exceeds the number of sessions available, respondents will be selected to participate based on the range of relevant experience, ensuring representation from a range of networking and communications providers. Session availability and supporting documentation will be provided to suppliers 22 August 2022 to allow sufficient time to prepare for their chosen sessions. Please email daniel.medley@kent.gov.uk with expressions of interest by no later than 12.00 noon on Friday 19th August 2022. PIN Published 05/08/2022 Expressions of interest due by 19/08/2022 Supporting documentation released 22/08/2022 Session availability and info 22/08/2022 Session week 1 12/09/2022 Session week 2 19/09/2022