Contacts: Jos Creese ([email protected]), ext 7436

Fiona Ives ([email protected]), ext 7426

1 Summary

That approval be given to:

(a) To tender for the supply of network and telecommunications services to replace the County Council's wide area network, Hampshire Public Services Network (HPSN);

(b) To seek a further decision to proceed to contract after tendering is complete.

2 Reason(s)

2.1 For the County Council to maintain its excellent rating it has to continue to make use best possible use of Information Technology. This includes the use of a wide area network, Hampshire Public Services Network (HPSN), connecting all the County Council sites and offices to corporate, partner and external services.

2.2 The existing contract to supply HPSN will end in November 2009 and a suitable replacement contract must be in place before this date.

3 Other Options Considered and Rejected

Do Nothing - rejected. The existing contract expires in November 2009 and if the Information Technology requirements of the County Council are to continue to be met a replacement HPSN must be in place before then.

Extend the current contract - rejected. The option to extend the existing contract has already been exercised, and it is not legally possible to do so again.

Do it in house - rejected. Part of the service could be run in-house, but the provision of telecommunications is not a core business activity for Hampshire County Council and can be provided more competitively by a specialist external provider. This will be demonstrated as part of the tendering exercise.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

none

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

none

6 Reasons for the matter being dealt with, if urgent

none

Approved by: __________________________________________

(Councillor T K Thornber)

Date of decision: 6 March 2008