Competition Begins For Greater London PSN Framework

The tendering process for a pan-London public sector procurement framework, worth up to £200m, has begun.

The Information Technology and Communications contract covers a variety of technology including networks, telephony kits, data services and routers.

It is expected around five and eight suppliers will be awarded a place on the framework and the bidding is being led by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).

Although RBKC leads the bidding, other organisations will be able to use the framework including the NHS, schools and the Police.

Other local authorities involved in the framework include Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent and many more.  

“Although RBKC is named as contract authority in this contract notice, any one of the RBKC, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham or Westminster Council may ultimately enter into the framework agreement,” explains the document.

Public sector organisations across London will be able to procure products and services via the framework to gain access and connectivity services needed to join the Public Services Network (PSN) – the government’s secure communication network for the public sector.

PSN Understanding “Essential”

The framework is set to last four years in duration with an estimated value of £20m-£200m.

“PSN is a secure network built to common standards that enables the delivery of public services from any place by any provider,” claims the contract notice.

“In doing so it creates a competitive marketplace to significantly reduce the cost of telecommunications services and enable different and creative ways of delivering public services,” it adds.

The tender document urges potential bidders to become familiar with PSN concepts, principles, operation and standards.

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