Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 9, 2024

Purpose:

Content: Salford City Council – Record of Decision   I Paul Dennett, City Mayor, in exercise of the powers contained within the Council Constitution do hereby approve:   ·      to Award the Contract forWide Area Network (WAN) Upgrade, as detailed in the table below:   Detail required Answers Title/Description of Contracted Service/Supply/Project Wide Area Network (WAN) Upgrade Name of Successful Contractor TNP (The Networking People) Supplier Registration Number (to be supplied by Corporate Procurement) 07667393 Type of organisation (to be supplied by Corporate Procurement) Private Limited Company Status of Organisation (to be supplied by Corporate Procurement) SME Contract Value (£) £2,285,021.00 full project Contract Duration 60 months Contract Start Date 06/01/2025 Contract End Date 06/01/2030 Optional Extension Period 1 N/A Optional Extension Period 2 N/A Who will approve each Extension Period? Choose an item. Contact Officer (Name & number) Matt Wall (793-3818) Lead Service Group Resources and Transformation How the contract was procured? (to be supplied by procurement) Direct award Framework Details (where applicable) (procurement body, framework reference & title, start/ end date Network Services 3 Framework Agreement (RM6116) 23/05/2023 - 17/07/2025 Lot 1a: Inter Site Connectivity (Wider Area Network) / Data Access Services) Funding Source Combination of Above (please detail below) Ethical Contractor (EC): Mayor’s Employment Charter   EC: Committed to sign Charter   EC: Accredited Living Wage Employer   The Reasons are: The network infrastructure in Salford, established over a decade ago, has delivered considerable benefits throughout its lifespan. Initially, it was designed with a focus on perimeter security for the organisation, suited to a workforce primarily based at council locations.   The move to a fully agile workforce — under the [MY]Work initiative—and the substantial changes brought about by the pandemic means the existing network architecture has become inefficient and no longer cost-effective. The current lease line contractual agreements are due for renewal and upgrade.   The outdated equipment and the end-of-life status for future updates and security patches put DDaT in a position where proactive network security is challenging. Additionally, the inefficiency of the DDaT team's time spent supporting this ageing equipment leads to frequent failures and service interruptions. Procuring parts for these devices has become increasingly difficult and expensive due to the age.   To address these challenges and in line with Project Innovate by looking at ways of optimising third-party spending, the service engaged the market using the Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 framework agreement (RM6116). This engagement specifically targeted Lot 1a, which encompasses inter-site connectivity and data services, under CCS Chest reference DN698501.   The creation of a new modern architecture is essential to support the operational demands of the organisation in delivering key services across the city, given the reliance on digital infrastructure. This modernisation of the WAN/LAN will enhance business continuity requirements and facilitate better ingestion of security data into the DDaT team via our dedicated Cyber Defence team (CyDops). Significantly improving the ability to monitor, detect, and respond to security threats, thereby ensuring a more secure and resilient network environment.   The proposed upgrade will involve the replacement of outdated equipment with cutting-edge technology, significantly enhancing the efficiency and performance of our network. Moreover, it will enable us to comply with the latest standards and best practices, ensuring that our services continue to operate smoothly. The modernisation project will position the organisation to better adopt new technologies and innovations in the future, providing a solid foundation for continued operational success.   By implementing a new energy-efficient networking solution, we aim to achieve substantial energy savings—up to 80% less power usage compared to traditional setups. This supports our commitment to reducing long-term operational costs and environmental impact. This is accomplished through features in the Forti Switches utilizing a technology called Energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE). When no data is being transferred through a port, EEE puts the data link in sleep mode to lower the power consumption of the FortiSwitch unit. When data starts flowing again, the port returns to its regular power usage. The FortiGates security appliances also offer significant power reductions compared to competitors (see image 1). Additionally, the solution uses advanced technology and TNP’s expertise in public sector network solutions to provide a robust digital infrastructure known as the Digital Metrofabric.   (Image 1)        This infrastructure will serve as the backbone for a host of services, including high-capacity connectivity, enhanced digital inclusion through public Wi-Fi, IoT integrations for smart city applications, and a comprehensive security fabric that spans from the core to the network edge. By incorporating these advanced capabilities, we ensure that our network infrastructure is future-proof and well-equipped to handle the evolving digital landscape.   Assessment of Risk: Failure to replace the end-of-life equipment for our wide area network (WAN) presents several high-level risks. Firstly, there is a significant risk of network failure, leading to disruptions in our services and operations. Outdated equipment is more prone to malfunctions and is less capable of handling current and future digital demands. Secondly, the security vulnerabilities inherent in obsolete technology increase the risk of cyberattacks, potentially compromising sensitive data and breaching compliance regulations. Lastly, the lack of support and updates for end-of-life equipment can result in higher maintenance costs and operational inefficiencies, ultimately affecting the overall productivity and reliability of our network infrastructure.   The source of funding is: Cyber Refresh Capital Programme and Digital, Data and Technology revenue budget.   Legal Advice obtained: Yes.   Financial Advice obtained: Yes.   Procurement Advice obtained: Yes.   HR Advice obtained: N/A.   Climate Change Implications obtained: Yes.   The following documents have been used to assist the decision process: ·      Approval to Award the Contract forWide Area Network (WAN) Upgrade.   Contact Officer: Matt Wall Telephone number: 0161 793 3993   ·      This matter is also subject to consider by the Lead Member for Resources and Transformation. The Lead Member has been consulted and is supportive of the proposed contract.   ·      This matter is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.   ·      The appropriate Scrutiny Committee to call-in the decision is the Procurement Board.     Signed:    Paul Dennett       Dated:   9 December 2024.                   City Mayor   FOR DEMOCRATIC SERVICES USE ONLY   *           This decision was published on 19 December 2024 *           This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 30 December 2024 unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.