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

Fiona Ives ([email protected]), ext 7426

1 Summary

That approval be given:

a To fit-out the new Data Centre at the level of costs indicated in the exempt report. This will be funded by unsupported borrowing and finance from the IT Services' trading account, funded over five years;

b To make a variation to the overall Ashburton Court refurbishment contract with HBG to include the Data Centre fit-out, whilst ensuring that this is maintained as a completely separate activity from the Ashburton Court programme itself.

2 Reason(s)

Including the Data Centre fit-out in the scope of the Ashburton Court refurbishment contract is the preferred option for the following reasons:

· It will provide an integrated solution with technical continuity between the technical preparatory work already undertaken and the new works planned;

· It will harness Hampshire County Council's existing relationship with HBG; having them as a single point of contact with clear liability, so reducing risks;

· By working with an existing contractor, it will be possible to ensure fit-out can take place at the earliest opportunity, reducing costs and risks to the County Council.

3 Other Options Considered and Rejected

Do Nothing - This option is rejected on the grounds that the County Council has already committed to the Data Centre move.

A full independent tender is run - This option is feasible, but not preferred. A new contractor would need to be engaged to undertake the Data Centre fit-out. There would be increased risks, discontinuity of the current work and likely delays. Making this option less attractive than the preferred option

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: