Decision details

Serco ICT Contract Amendments - continuation of the AWS Cloud based service - MAR18/CMDN/122

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Resources

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To agree amendments to the Serco ICT Contract.

Reasons for the decision:

As part of the council’s 2015 Technology Strategy, the council migrated servers from the Town Hall to a remote computing/web service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) but procured through Arcus Global Limited via the G-Cloud framework. 

 

Operationally the AWS services continues to offer the best value and continuity of service to the council, also benefiting from; high availability server capacity, modern server technology, switching off servers when not in use to reduce cost, a level of disaster recovery and improved business continuity.

 

The council is therefore provided with an effective ICT service which is:

 

·         Stable;

·         Flexible;

·         Adaptable;

·         Resilient; and

·         Appropriate to the needs of the Council in the medium to long term.

 

 

The current contract with Arcus Global Limited expires at 31st March 2018 therefore a new contract is required in order to continue use of AWS cloud based services.

 

With the option now available to procure AWS services directly via the Crown Commercial Service Call-Off Contract, G-Cloud 9 Framework Agreement (RM1557ix), this is considered the preferred procurement route as opposed to renewing the contract via Arcus Global Limited.

 

Whether purchased via another 3rd Party AWS business partner similar to Arcus or direct via G-Cloud,  the cost of service remains the same. Serco were unable to provide through their supply partnerships, therefore the option of a direct relationship with AWS provides the most beneficial option to PCC from a contractual, service and support perspective.

 

This new contract for AWS services is based on a direct  award of contract via  G-Cloud 9 Framework Agreement and is made in accordance with the procedures for awarding a direct call-off.

 

Alternative options considered:

This award is for the continuation of an existing service. The server room in Sand Martin House has only been sized to only accommodate a limited number of servers, with the overall design based on continued reliance on the cloud based service and capacity provided by AWS.

 

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Background Documents:

None.

Publication date: 27/03/2018

Date of decision: 27/03/2018

Accompanying Documents: