IP telephony maintenance & suppor, system software upgrade and call off contract.

Descriptions

Cheshire West & Chester Council and Cheshire East Council are two large unitary Councils which currently use a single shared Avaya Communications Manager platform as their main telephone system.The system was installed approximately 7 years ago and is currently equipped with approximately 11,000 endpoints, the majority being IP handsets.The systems is managed on a day-to-day basis, by Cheshire Shared Services (CSS), an ICT shared services facility that provides the ICT functions for both Councils.Since its installation, the system has been maintained directly by the manufacturer. The current arrangements however will expire in December 2013.It has been therefore confirmed that the CSS would like to award a contract to a single supplier for the provision of a new support and maintenance contract (to commence on the 1.1.2014). Potential suppliers must hold a suitable level of Avaya accreditation.As part of an on-going investment plan, it has also been confirmed that a system upgrade is required in early 2014 to bring the system up-to the most current software release. The supplier shall therefore be required to conduct all necessary works to complete the system upgrade.CSS also has an on-going requirement for the purchase of additional hardware and software items, plus associated professional services. A call off contract is therefore required to allow for the future purchase of the items at agreed discount rates, such rates to be included as part of the tender as a service catalogue.Procurement to award a contract to a single supplier for:1. The provision of a maintenance and support contract for Avaya IP telephony system and related voice systems, (Contact Centre, Voicemail, Call Recorder, Call Logger).2. An upgrade of Avaya IP telephony system, and associated systems to CM6 version of system software.3. The provision of a call off agreement for the on-going purchase of additional voice equipment, software licences, associated voice systems and professional services.