Decision - Wide Area Network Procurement

To seek Cabinet approval for the amendment of contract terms previously agreed by Cabinet from 5 yrs + option to extend for 2 yrs (5+2) to (5+2+1)

2.1           That Cabinet notes the previous approval for procurement of a new Wide Area Network for a contract term of 5 years with an option to extend for a further period of up to 2 years.

2.2           That Cabinet agrees to a revised term of the contract from 5 years to 7 years and a revised option to extend the contract for a further period of up to 3 years (instead of 2).

It is considered beneficial to move to a longer contract term, aligned to developments within the telecoms market, and so provide best value over the term through longer financial commitment allowing for reduced risk premiums.

The recommendation to increase the contract term by one year has been jointly agreed by Sussex PSN partners and stakeholders to offer best possible value over the term of the contract.