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Published 29 May 2024, 15:18 BST

Official UK procurement notice

LAN Hardware & Associated Services (YPO 1229 Network Connectivity & Telecommunication Solutions)

Official notice

Authority: Cantium Business Solutions Limited·Consortium: 3 public authorities

Framework agreement7 lotsServicesRestricted procedure
Sectors: IT Services & Software (72) Delivery: UK
Framework ceiling (notional)£750,000,000envelope for 7 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 12 Jul 2024awarded 26 Aug 2026
Lots 7see the lot list below
Framework period 4 yrsends 30 Sept 2028 · extension options published · starts 1 Oct 2024

What is being bought7 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

For the provision of LAN hardware and associated services including support and maintenance for existing equipment via YPO 1229 Framework for Network Connectivity and Telecommunications Solutions.

  • Recurrence: There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.

CPV: Communications network · Data security software development services · IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support · Local area network services · Mobile telephones · Programming services of application software · Telecommunications services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Bids received
31 bids on the busiest of 7 lots · 41 suppliers appointed
Framework period
4 yrs from 1 Oct 2024

Lots and requirements (7)Procurement structure

7 lots · no lot values published · evaluation weights differ by lot
Lot #1Wide Area Network (WAN) ServicesCancelledRenewal 4 yrs

For the provision of LAN hardware and associated services including support and maintenance for existing equipment

Contract period: 1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2028 (4 yrs)
Delivery: UK · UNITED KINGDOM
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will cover the period from 18 March 2025 – 17th March 2027 with the option of 2 x 12 months extensions to 17th March 2028 and 17th March 2029. The first decision to extend the Framework period will be taken by the end of December 2026 and will be dependent on satisfactory completion of all aspects of the Framework to date, the current market conditions for this category and YPO’s contracting structures. Suppliers will be made aware of the decision to take extensions 3 months prior. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years, from 18th March 2025 to 17th March 2029. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years. · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #2Local Area Network (LAN) ServicesCancelledRenewal 4 yrs
  • A fully functional, single point connectivity solution to connect multiple devices and transmit data across a localised area, either at a single site, or multiple sites within the same locale. This includes multiple interconnected LAN’s such as, but not limited to, Campus Area Networks (CAN) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN).
  • Deliver reliable connections which provide high availability with flexible bandwidth options to allow for customer scalability and future expansion/upgrade
  • Solutions must accommodate connectivity to a wide range of available (and evolving) connections and technologies, inclusive of the Internet of Things (IOT)
  • Products, works, and services to deliver the solution including network equipment, hardware and software relative for the delivery of this Lot including but not limited to cabling and storage area network (SAN) equipment
  • Services to support the full end-to-end solution where required by the customer, including but not limited to help desk support, maintenance, monitoring and management. These services should be tailored to individual customer requirements and may be provided in elements, or as a fully managed service by the Provider.
  • The Provider must be an accredited provider of LAN connectivity solutions with appropriate accreditation which validates their expertise and service quality, such as top level (expert) vendor accreditation or approved partner status, in line with at least one enterprise network provider/vendor at minimum.
Contract period: 1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2028 (4 yrs)
Delivery: UK
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will cover the period from 18 March 2025 – 17th March 2027 with the option of 2 x 12 months extensions to 17th March 2028 and 17th March 2029. The first decision to extend the Framework period will be taken by the end of December 2026 and will be dependent on satisfactory completion of all aspects of the Framework to date, the current market conditions for this category and YPO’s contracting structures. Suppliers will be made aware of the decision to take extensions 3 months prior. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years, from 18th March 2025 to 17th March 2029. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years. · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #3Education Connectivity & Associated ServicesCancelledRenewal 4 yrs
  • Provision of WAN and LAN data connectivity services meeting the specification requirements as detailed in Lot 1 and Lot 2.
  • Deliver reliable connections which provide high availability with flexible bandwidth options to allow for customer scalability and future expansion/upgrade
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP) subscription services such as internet access and data transit, domain name registration, email access, web hosting, remote access and home working solutions, performance monitoring etc.
  • The Provider acting as an ISP must deliver layer 2 services wherever possible, to ensure integrity and control of the network and maintain/manage their network of connections
  • Provision of safeguarding, web filtering and security solutions to protect networks, devices and data to defend from cyber-attacks, which can be delivered ‘as a service’, managed, or unmanaged by the Provider
  • Core services, where applicable should include and provide an anti-ddos service
  • Provide a centralised platform to deliver access to all customer data and connectivity, filtering, firewall and monitoring services which enables reporting/analysis and management
  • Provide customers with full access to a connectivity monitoring platform showing information such as but not limited to circuit and router health, uptime and bandwidth statistics, diagnostic tools
  • Solutions must accommodate connectivity to a wide range of available (and evolving) connections and technologies, inclusive of the Internet of Things (IOT)
  • Products, works, and services to deliver the solution including network equipment, hardware, and software relative for the delivery of this Lot
  • Service provision to support components through to the full end-to-end solution where required by the customer, including but not limited to help desk support, maintenance, monitoring and management. These services should be tailored to individual customer requirements and may be provided in elements, or as a fully managed service by the Provider.
  • The Provider must be an accredited provider of WAN/LAN education connectivity and ISP solutions with appropriate accreditation which validates their expertise and service quality, such as top level (expert) vendor accreditation or approved partner status, in line with at least one enterprise network provider/vendor at minimum.
  • Compliance to the DfE’s internet standards to provide establishments with a stable and secure broadband connection and any future iterations throughout the lifetime of the Framework Agreement
  • Compliance to the DfE’s Filtering and Monitoring standards and any future iterations throughout the lifetime of the Framework Agreement
  • Compliance to the DfE’s Firewall standards and any future iterations throughout the lifetime of the Framework Agreement
  • Fully adhere with the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 and any future iterations throughout the lifetime of the Framework Agreement
  • The Provider must be an Internet Watch Foundation member
Contract period: 1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2028 (4 yrs)
Delivery: UK
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will cover the period from 18 March 2025 – 17th March 2027 with the option of 2 x 12 months extensions to 17th March 2028 and 17th March 2029. The first decision to extend the Framework period will be taken by the end of December 2026 and will be dependent on satisfactory completion of all aspects of the Framework to date, the current market conditions for this category and YPO’s contracting structures. Suppliers will be made aware of the decision to take extensions 3 months prior. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years, from 18th March 2025 to 17th March 2029. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years. · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #4Smart City and IOT TechnologiesCancelledRenewal 4 yrs
  • A fully functional and resilient smart city solution which uses technology to connect a city/town/spaces and collect data (from citizens, devices and assets) to supply real time information which can be used to manage, monitor and interact with the city/town/spaces’ community and infrastructure, to create a smart environment.
  • The Provider must be able to deliver part of components, through to a full end-to-end solution, which will support customers through their smart city project - from consultancy and design, to the building of architecture and infrastructure, connectivity and successful implementation of a suitable solution.
  • Provide connectivity solutions which incorporate a wide range of available (and evolving) connections and technologies, inclusive of the Internet of Things (IOT)
  • Provision of products, works, and services to deliver a full smart city/IOT connected solution, including all equipment, hardware and software applications for data analytics, monitoring and measurement
  • Flexible solutions which are capable of integrating with existing infrastructure and/or solutions and will allow for customer scalability and future expansion/upgrade
  • Security solutions to provide customers with safeguarding and protection of their smart city/IoT solution and associated data
  • Services to support the full end-to-end solution where required by the customer, including but not limited to help desk support, maintenance, monitoring and management. These services should be tailored to individual customer requirements and may be provided in elements, or as a fully managed service by the Provider
Contract period: 1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2028 (4 yrs)
Delivery: UK
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will cover the period from 18 March 2025 – 17th March 2027 with the option of 2 x 12 months extensions to 17th March 2028 and 17th March 2029. The first decision to extend the Framework period will be taken by the end of December 2026 and will be dependent on satisfactory completion of all aspects of the Framework to date, the current market conditions for this category and YPO’s contracting structures. Suppliers will be made aware of the decision to take extensions 3 months prior. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years, from 18th March 2025 to 17th March 2029. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years. · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #5Cyber Security SolutionsCancelledRenewal 4 yrs
  • A cyber security solution to provide customers with safeguarding and protection of their

networks, devices, and data to defend from cyber-attacks which can be delivered ‘as a

service’, managed, or unmanaged by the Provider

  • The Provider must be an accredited provider of cyber security solutions with appropriate accreditation which validates their expertise and service quality, such as top level (expert) vendor accreditation or approved partner status, in line with at least one cyber security provider/vendor at minimum.
  • Products, works, and services required to deliver the solution
  • Services to support the full end-to-end solution where required by the customer, including but not limited to help desk support, maintenance, monitoring and management. These services should be tailored to individual customer requirements and may be provided in elements, or as a fully managed service by the Provider.
Contract period: 1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2028 (4 yrs)
Delivery: UK
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will cover the period from 18 March 2025 – 17th March 2027 with the option of 2 x 12 months extensions to 17th March 2028 and 17th March 2029. The first decision to extend the Framework period will be taken by the end of December 2026 and will be dependent on satisfactory completion of all aspects of the Framework to date, the current market conditions for this category and YPO’s contracting structures. Suppliers will be made aware of the decision to take extensions 3 months prior. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years, from 18th March 2025 to 17th March 2029. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years. · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #6Communication ServicesCancelledRenewal 4 yrs
  • An IP telecommunications solution which delivers voice and multimedia communications over IP based networks, to connect individuals or teams. This should be reliable, secured to industry standards and can be tailored to individual customer requirements.
  • Solutions delivered ‘as a service’, managed or unmanaged by the Provider as specified by the Customer at call off
  • Number porting services
  • Flexible solutions which will allow for customer scalability and future expansion/upgrade
  • Products, works, and services to deliver the solution such as hardware, and software relevant to this Lot (e.g. telephone handsets, headsets, conferencing units, associated accessories, licensing)
  • Services to support the full end-to-end solution where required by the customer, including but not limited to help desk support, maintenance, monitoring and management. These services should be tailored to individual customer requirements and may be provided in elements, or as a fully managed service by the Provider.
  • The Provider must be an accredited provider of IP telecommunication solutions with appropriate accreditation which validates their expertise and service quality, such as top level (expert) vendor accreditation or approved partner status, in line with at least one enterprise network provider/vendor at minimum.
Contract period: 1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2028 (4 yrs)
Delivery: UK
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will cover the period from 18 March 2025 – 17th March 2027 with the option of 2 x 12 months extensions to 17th March 2028 and 17th March 2029. The first decision to extend the Framework period will be taken by the end of December 2026 and will be dependent on satisfactory completion of all aspects of the Framework to date, the current market conditions for this category and YPO’s contracting structures. Suppliers will be made aware of the decision to take extensions 3 months prior. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years, from 18th March 2025 to 17th March 2029. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years. · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #7Mobile, Voice and Data ServicesCancelledRenewal 4 yrs
  • A mobile communications solution which allows for the sending and receiving of voice calls, messaging and/or data connectivity services from compatible devices across a network which is secured to OFCOM industry standards (or any future obligations), with national coverage and roaming access in the UK and Internationally, where permissible by the Contracting Authority
  • A range of tariff services including but not limited to; Pay as you consume (PAYC), unlimited tariffs (with or without excess charges)
  • Flexible solutions which allow for customer agility, through a variety of available tariffs, bolt on services, value added services and packages which can be tailored to individual customer requirements
  • Enable access to any future data networks which are made available during the life of this agreement
  • Provision of SIM cards with numbering and porting services available
  • Equipment, hardware and software relevant to this Lot (e.g. smart devices, IoT technologies and any associated accessories)
  • Devices supplied to the customer must be unlocked, or will be unlocked at no additional charge to the customer on request and at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiry or termination of the Call-off Contract
  • Reporting facilities to assist customers with managing their estate, including data capping and alert notifications when near or over allocated usage
Contract period: 1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2028 (4 yrs)
Delivery: UK
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will cover the period from 18 March 2025 – 17th March 2027 with the option of 2 x 12 months extensions to 17th March 2028 and 17th March 2029. The first decision to extend the Framework period will be taken by the end of December 2026 and will be dependent on satisfactory completion of all aspects of the Framework to date, the current market conditions for this category and YPO’s contracting structures. Suppliers will be made aware of the decision to take extensions 3 months prior. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years, from 18th March 2025 to 17th March 2029. The maximum contract period will therefore be 4 years. · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.Variant bids: not allowed

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored

Lots publish different evaluation splits; there is no single procedure weighting.

Conditions of participation1
  • Suitability

    Organisations must ensure that they are not in breach of any of the mandatory or discretionary exclusions contained in Regulation 57 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Please refer to the

    Tender Documentation/ Online Tender located on our E-Procurement system. The web address can be found under ‘Procurement Documents’ in ‘Communication’ section in this notice.

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 30–50 points depending on the lot; most lots put it at 30 points.
  • “LAN Hardware & Associated Services (YPO 1229 Network Connectivity &…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record · publisher note attached
Procedure method
Restricted procedure
Legal basis
CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use the vehicle
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Yes · There is a possibility that this framework will be renewed after 3.5 years from the commencement date.
First published
29 May 2024, 15:18 BST
Last source update
27 Aug 2026, 12:10 BST
Award evaluation window
12 Jul 2024 – …
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-081712
Classification (CPV)
Communications networkData security software development servicesIT services: consulting, software development, Internet and supportLocal area network servicesMobile telephonesProgramming services of application softwareTelecommunications services
Delivery area
UK
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-046c25 Find a Tender
Contract terms
Performance terms

Please refer to the Framework Agreement Terms and Conditions located on our E-Procurement system. The web address can be found under Procurement Documents in ‘Communication’ Section in this notice.

Publisher note: GO Reference: GO-2026827-PRO-38224260

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: ProContract (Due North) · Who buys & how to bid on ProContract
Supplier login requiredLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free · short registration with manual review; public opportunity list
Appointment period ends
12 Jul 2024, 14:00 BST
Submission channel
{"electronicSubmission"}
Accepted languages
en
Bid validity
90 days from the deadline
Bids opened
12 Jul 2024, 14:00 BST
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Timeline

12 Jul 2024 → 27 Aug 2026 · 4 dates
  1. Admission / appointment period endsperiod end, not a bid countdown
    12 Jul 2024, 14:00 BST
  2. Bids opened
    12 Jul 2024, 14:00 BST
  3. Contract starts
    1 Oct 2024, 00:00 BST
  4. Notice published50 days ago
    27 Aug 2026, 12:10 BST

Notice history

3 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 3 Apr 2025
  1. Status changed to complete
    3 Apr 2025, 16:16 BST
  2. Procurement method changed
    27 Aug 2026, 12:10 BST
  3. Buyer details updated
    27 Aug 2026, 12:10 BST

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 41admitted to the panel · see the list ↓
Bids received 31busiest of 7 lots
Contracts signed 8latest 26 Aug 2026

8 suppliers are admitted to this framework without individual award values or dates, see the supplier list below.

Contracts

All 7 of these contracts carry the same published figure, £750,000,000, the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each contract's own value. They are not eleven separate sums.

  • LAN Hardware and Associated Services (YPO 1229 Network Connectivity & Telecommunication Solutions)

    Signed
    26 Aug 2026
    Value
    £800,000
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active
  • Lot 1 - Wide Area Network (WAN) Services

    Signed
    5 Mar 2025
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active
  • Lot 2 - Local Area Network (LAN) Services

    Signed
    5 Mar 2025
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active
  • Lot 3 - Education Connectivity & Associated Services

    Signed
    5 Mar 2025
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active
  • Lot 4 - Smart City and IOT Technologies

    Signed
    5 Mar 2025
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active
  • Lot 5 - Cyber Security Solutions

    Signed
    5 Mar 2025
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active
  • Lot 6 - Communication Services

    Signed
    5 Mar 2025
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active
  • Lot 7 - Mobile, Voice and Data Services

    Signed
    5 Mar 2025
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    … – 30 Sept 2028
    Status
    active

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
1 · Wide Area Network (WAN) Services31bids———
2 · Local Area Network (LAN) Services31bids———
3 · Education Connectivity & Associated Services10bids———
4 · Smart City and IOT Technologies13bids———
5 · Cyber Security Solutions25bids———
6 · Communication Services29bids———
7 · Mobile, Voice and Data Services15bids———

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

3 public bodies on the notice

Cantium Business Solutions Limited

Contracting authorityRegional or local authorityGeneral public services 1 Abbey Wood Road, West Malling, UK, ME19 4YTContact email, phone

Consortium members and other public bodies

  • NEPOContracting authority Gateshead, North EastContact name, email
  • YPOContracting authorityCentral purchasing bodyBody governed by public lawGeneral public services Wakefield, Yorkshire & HumberContact name, email, phone Published organisation website ↗

Dispute resolution & review bodies

  • Commercial Services Group LimitedReview body West Malling
  • High Court of England and WalesReview body London

Framework contractors & participating bidders

41 commercial parties on the notice
Show 31 more suppliers

Official documents & specifications (2)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

  • Economic and financial selection criteriatenderEconomic and financial selection criteria
  • Technical selection criteriatenderTechnical selection criteria