Purpose

The report concerns the
urgent renewal of the Council’s Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, which expires
on 31 December 2025. It seeks approval to award a new three-year contract for
Microsoft licensing via the Crown Commercial Service Framework NFC193, ensuring
continuity of essential digital services, compliance, and security. The
decision is critical to avoid financial penalties, operational disruption, and
reputational risk.

 

 

 

Content

The approval to authorise the award for the Microsoft
license enterprise agreement via the Crown Commercial Service Framework NFC193
aggregated procurement process.

 

Reasons for the decision

The Council’s current Microsoft Enterprise Agreement expires
on 31 December 2025, with no option to extend. Renewal is essential to maintain
continuity of critical digital services, including email, collaboration tools,
and security features, which underpin day-to-day operations and strategic
projects. Failure to renew on time would result in significant financial,
operational, and reputational risks, including loss of negotiated discounts,
potential service disruption, and compliance challenges. Approving this
decision now enables the Council to secure best value through the Crown
Commercial Service Framework NFC193 aggregated procurement process, appoint a
qualified reseller, and complete all governance requirements within the
required timescales.