Purpose

This report outlines the proposed procurement strategy and award for the provision of Camden’s Dedicated Internet Access Service (DIA) at 95 sites across the borough to Virgin Media Business Limited. This will ensure uninterrupted delivery of business-critical internet services, the Council has invested in and provides a highly reliable; secure, and high-performance connection essential to Camden.
 

The cost of changing services to an alternative communications supplier is prohibitive at this time, hence the request to use a compliant framework to allow us to source in this way.
 

The proposed procurement route will be by way of a direct contract award via Crown Commercial Services) (CCS)framework, Network Services 3, e-Marketplace, Framework No. RM6116, LOT1a- Inter Site Connectivity (Wider Area Network) / Data Access Services.
 

The proposed contract term will be for an initial contract period of 3 years from 1st April 2026, plus 1-year optional extension period for a total value of approximately £850,000 (excluding VAT).

The combined procurement strategy and award report will subsequently be presented to the Interim Executive Director Corporate Services for approval in line with Contract Standing Orders.

Decision

THAT the Executive Director Corporate Services agrees

1. The procurement strategy for a Dedicated Internet Access service for Camden, which includes 100% Price and contract term of 36 months plus 1 extension of 12 months, at the sole discretion of the Council, for an estimated aggregate value (including extensions of £849,200)
2. The direct award of the contract to Virgin Media Business Ltd for a period of 36 months (plus 1 contract extension of 12 months at the sole discretion of the Council) for the sum of £219,500 for year one and £209,900 for all subsequent years per annum, giving a total contract value of £849,200, as follows:
    

•           Year 1: £219,500

•           Year 2: £209,900

•           Year 3: £209,900

•           Year 4 (optional extension): £209,900