SS12102 Kent Public Service Network.

Descriptions

Kent County Council (KCC), acting on behalf of all existing and potential users of the Kent Public Service Network (KPSN), (together 'the partners') is looking for a solution to take forward the current services. We are looking to build upon them, deliver improvements where necessary, expand and extend the range of services offered, within the region, amongst the wide range of user organisations.The current contract is due to end in February 2015 and the partnership requires continuity of service from that date.We are seeking proposals for an integrated suite of connectivity solutions and related services. Whilst the geographical scope is primarily the county of Kent there are connectivity requirements and user sites beyond this region.The contract will need to support the partners' requirements for a broad range of service levels and pricing options from commodity pricing through to high availability bespoke solutions. The partnership is looking to procure a solution that combines quality service delivery with excellent value.The partnership would like to explore with bidders a range of commercial models and billing solutions where it provides best value to the taxpayer.KPSN is a mature collaborative wide area network with services extending beyond basic connectivity. These include connectivity to PSN, GCSx, Janet, N3, private links between sites and a range of additional services. For example: web filtering, email relay, SIP trunking and firewalls. The contract currently serves over 1 250 sites, 24 organisations and enables circa 370 000 people to access the network daily. Services are supported by a range of SLA's that include 24x7 and business hours. Connectivity speeds currently range from 2Mbps to 10Gbps over a variety of connection media. Single connections are required to support some multi-tenanted sites. Continued growth in the number of served organisations and sites is anticipated.KPSN has a well defined vision and set of objectives which are fundamental to the development of the service and under-pin the need to improve service delivery for Kent as a whole. These are:KPSN VisionTo deliver high-quality network services to Kent's communities, local authorities and public service providers as they meet the challenges facing government, education and health in the 21st centuryKPSN will be agile, flexible and pro-active in meeting the changing business needs of all partners. It will build on current effective practice to deliver best value, secure and resilient shared network servicesKPSN ObjectivesTo create a single public service network for Kent that:— Maximises value for money and sustainability— Ensures technical and commercial flexibility— Supports collaboration across partners— Responds to changing business requirements— Improves Kent's communications infrastructureCore Services that will form part of the contract include but are not limited to:— Network connectivity, including Ethernet, SDSL, ADSL, Next Generation Access, wireless and dark fibre options— Point–to-point connectivity services— Wires-only services— Internet connectivity— Secure remote access— Full life-cycle management of necessary hardware and software from provision to disposal— Design, supply, installation – including cabling, commissioning and on-going support, repair and maintenance services— Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and SIP trunking— Security services, for example but not limited to Anti-Virus and content filtering.— Firewalls— Hosting services— DNS— Encryption & Identity Services— PSN connectivity— Management of supply chain— Solution design, project management, implementation, transition, integration and testing— Optional managed services covering all of the aboveOther services that will potentially form part of any new contract may include, but are not limited to:— Data centres and management of, including equipment room services— Authentication services— Commercial wireless support— Integrated Voice services— Unified Communication services— Nomadic and mobile working services— Support for mobile data services— Expanded connectivity services into WIMAX and satellite services— Improved intrusion detection and prevention— LAN based services— BYOD services / MDMThis list is not exhaustive and KPSN may wish to include additional products and services related to the context of this contract.To give potential bidders an indication, the current value of connectivity services, including management, support and maintenance comprises approximately 85 % of the value of the current contract with the other services listed making up the remaining 15 %.KPSN user organisations are innovating new ways of working. KPSN will not stand still during the procurement process and some of these services may be in place before any new contract starts. KPSN will continue to update its current situation documents so that all parties are kept informed of progress around the projects currently underway. Current projects include, but are not limited to:— Expansion of Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC) and other Next Generation Access (NGA) services— Commercial Wireless services— The provision of connectivity services using WIMAX technologies— Enhanced remote access services— Enhanced authentication servicesDuring the period of the contract it is anticipated that there will be changes in technology. Solutions should be sufficiently flexible and innovative in taking advantage of developments utilising new and emerging technologies.It is important any solution should be capable of inter-operating with partner (both public and private sector) technologies with, in some cases, partners' own solutions comprising part of the service delivered as part of this contract. It will feature secure and resilient shared unified communications with other organisationsThe services and or solutions to be delivered under any new contract will potentially be connected to other public sector organisations. The scope of use under the current contract includes a limited number of 3rd Sector and SME sites. KPSN would be interested in proposals that would support regeneration and economic development in Kent.KPSN currently has its own managed core network built around 56 PoP's in the region. This network can be considered as part of any new service if the solution provider sees fit to use it in any future solution.KPSN as a solution currently is compliant to PSN and GCSx standards. It is working with other national bodies in becoming IGSOC compliant and is expected achieve this in 2013. Any solution provided is expected to be compliant with these and any other standards that become appropriate over time to enable KPSN to continue to support its users in delivery of services up to and including Impact Level 3.The contract is planned to be placed based on duration of 72 months, with possible staged extensions periods of up to an additional 48 months