Communication and Connectivity Products and Services Framework

This Lot is for the provision and installation of telephone / communication systems as well as the provision for individual standalone devices, supply of hardware and relevant products and services including consultancy. Including but not limited to The supply of communications software, hardware, installation, training and support of communications supplies, services, and solutions whereby users can use a multitude of different devices such as physical phones, software on laptops, PC’s, and apps on mobiles to make and receive calls via a centralised telephony platform.

The Lot will focus upon the supply, installation, and setup of telephony platforms using current, supported methods of making and receiving calls over data connectivity as opposed to end of life infrastructure such as Analogue, PSTN, ISDN. However, should such legacy ‘end of life’ equipment and services be required by Participating Public Sector Bodies, such can be provided from this lot for such time as they are available and supported.

The Lot will also provide the intelligent combining of voice, video, instant messaging, mobile voice and data, and other multimedia services in a bespoke way depending on the end users’ needs. This Lot covers all encompassing solutions offering for example Desktop Agent/Supervisor, Contact Centre, Video Conferencing and Email/Text management functionality. Software and hardware offered is expected to include as a minimum the following key areas:

• Servers.
• Telephony.
• Unified Messaging.
• IP Phones and Softphones.
• Licenses.
• Implementation Services.
• Operations Support and Maintenance.
• Training.

The Lot also provides access to IP Telephony, Voice Over IP Services and Call Tariff Packages; encompasses the provision and support of IP ‘replacement’ solutions These may be:

• Voice over IP (VoIP) gateways for connection of external calls using PABX systems
• LAN-based IP telephones.
• Integrated desktop/ laptop IP telephony applications.
• Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) based services for voice calls over internet/ intranet/ extranet services.
• It also incorporates Third Party Billing Analysis and Management etc. as relevant to the SIP environment.

The Lot also provides access to omni-channel/multi-media communications solutions and the suite of software, supplies and services as part of a wider unified communication/telephony solution.

It is expressly noted that such unified communications solutions can be provided either as on-premise solutions, off-premise cloud solutions or hybrid solutions combining elements of both on-premise and cloud based solutions.

Recognising modern trends toward remote and home working, Participating Public Sector Bodies also require solutions that support and deliver remote and home working unified communications/telephony solutions.

The Lot will provide access to all aspects of mobile communications and services by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and their Resellers - i.e., handsets, other devices, airtime, and value added services. It is anticipated Tenderers may be MNOs and/or their channel partners (e.g., value added sellers, service providers etc).

Key Supply/Service Areas:

The key supplies, services and solutions will include, but will not be limited to:

• The supply of business mobile plans, consisting of minutes, texts, and data, across various networks, and the ability to provide a mixture of networks on a single plan.
• The supply of mobile devices across all manufacturers.
• The supply of mobile data sims and devices enabling access to the internet throughout the UK.
• The supply of multi network SIMS.
• Access to the use of multiple networks thus ensuring 100% coverage anywhere in the UK, ensuring no impact to business operations based upon geographical location of office locations or remote working locations.
• Network services that will include all the security, compliance, content management and filtering in order to address the security and compliance needs of the Participating Public Sector Body including, where relevant the safeguarding of educational establishment students whilst they utilise, the communications equipment provided to them.
• The supply of mobile broadband supplies and services.
• Consultancy.

This Lot is designed to deliver but is not limited to provision and install of Broadband Network Services, supply of hardware and relevant products and services including support and, consultancy.

The supply, setup and support of networks and associated networking services. It addresses the supply and support of networks and associated networking services for the provision of managed connectivity for high bandwidth secure services and other communications and telecommunications requirements.

This Lot also encompasses the provision and support of digital connections, network equipment and servers, along with associated support services within premises, and will include Managed LAN services and Wi-Fi.

Key Supply/Service Areas:

Key supplies, services and solutions will include, but will not be limited to:

• The provision of managed data services, varying from single site internet facing fibre connections, to gigabyte ethernet connections boasting speeds of up to 1,000 mbyte.
• Secure connectivity to data centres as well as private networks spanning multiple locations.
• The provision of internal cabling infrastructure, routers, and Wi-Fi.
• The transmission of voice and data is within the brick walls and across the locations of Participating Public Sector Bodies.
• The provision of Wide Area Network (WAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Broadband Services; providing access to the full range of WAN and data services including Managed Networks (e.g., WANs or VPNs).
• The provision and support of external digital/ data network connections.
• The provision and support of digital connections, network equipment and servers.
• Associated support services within premises within the cloud or hybrid and will include Managed LAN services and Wi-Fi, where incorporated as part of a Managed LAN environment.

Lot 4 is intended to provide CPC Members and eligible wider public sector organisations with access to an integrated, end-to-end communications and connectivity solution covering the full scope of Lots 1, 2 and 3. This Lot is designed for Tenderers that are able to deliver a complete managed solution incorporating Unified Communications and Telephony, Mobile Communications, and Broadband Network Services under a single coordinated service model.

This Lot will support organisations seeking a consolidated approach to their communications and connectivity requirements, enabling the procurement of multiple related services through one supplier arrangement where appropriate. Solutions may include, but are not limited to, the design, supply, installation, implementation, management, support and ongoing development of telephony and unified communications platforms, mobile communications services, broadband and network connectivity, associated hardware, software, licences, security, reporting, billing, consultancy and service management.

If you are applying for Lot 4, it is advised that you also apply for Lots 1, 2 and 3 to enable Members to access the full range of standalone and integrated communications and connectivity services through the Framework, and to ensure that your organisation can be considered for both individual Lot requirements and end-to-end integrated solutions.

Lot 4 is intended to support Members who require a single supplier to provide a joined-up communications and connectivity provision, with clear account management, consistent service standards, streamlined contract management and coordinated technical support across the full range of services. This may be particularly beneficial where Members require multi-site, multi-service or strategically integrated solutions that combine voice, mobile, data, broadband, network and associated support services.

Tenderers can apply for one or more lots and will not be disadvantaged if bidding for a single lot, or multiple lots. Please note that Tenderers will not be able to request consideration for additional Lots once the tender closes.