The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the LAs across GM currently run ICT services over a combination of WAN's utilising a wide range of underlying connectivity circuits. To improve the value, flexibility, and future-proofing of these arrangements, the LAs are looking to procure the design, implementation, maintenance and support, including a minimum 20 year right of use of dark fibre connectivity, or dark fibre virtual equivalent circuits. This will provide unlimited capacity dedicated fibre connectivity to as many LA public sites and assets in the region. The LAs will continue to be able to procure their WAN connectivity through existing Suppliers when required. These services will be delivered over the connectivity achieved through this contract. As a guide the LFFN Programme will connect over 1300 public sector assets by full fibre, inc over 600 public buildings and sites, 33 F&RS sites and 700 UTMC assets and will be funded through Government Grant and local contributions.
It is proposed that a Framework Agreement will be established with up to 2 suppliers. A single supplier will be awarded to each framework lot. At the same time simultaneous confirmed contracts will be awarded to the supplier, for each Contracting Authority within each framework lot. The procurement will be a competitive procedure with Negotiation and further details will be defined in the Contract Notice. The evaluation criteria will be a combination of qualitative and commercial submissions, including maximising the potential number of sites to be connected across Greater Manchester. In summary there will be a supplier selection process, followed by an invitation to submit initial tenders for up to 5 shortlisted tenderers. Following further evaluation, up to 3 tenderers may then be invited to further negotiation sessions and a final revised tender will then be requested and evaluated before award.
The contract is anticipated to commence in September 2019 and works will be delivered such that the Government funding contributions are required to be expended before 31.3.2021, with Local Authority match contribution completing thereafter.