Datacentre Fabric Refresh

Tender description

Our datacentre main switching that carries all Council data is end of life and out of support. We require completely new switching equipment. We have identified the equipment vendor and produced a design and bill of materials to maintain continuity with other infrastructure. Additional information: Originally this request was being progressed utilising the YPO Network Connectivity and Telecommunication Solutions - 976, Lot 2 Framework, however, YPO notified DCC that this framework had expired, and their replacement is not yet in place. They had not extended 976 to bridge the gap as assumed by the supplier and DCC due to the framework still being active on their webpage and the supplier still utilising the framework with other clients. A direct award option was the initial chosen RtM due to the existing infrastructure compatibility and continuity issues, but also due to urgency around avoiding impending price rises due to shipping cost increases which will be imposed following political changes in the USA. As the request is for a 5 year contract to include the initial purchase and accompanying 5 year support / warranty period to match the lifecycle of the equipment, a direct award via other available frameworks with the named supplier listed were not suitable due to shorter award periods offered of no more than 4 years. It is vital that this supplier is utilised in order to maintain continuity and compatibility with existing infrastructure within ICT. Overall, it was agreed that this requirement was a special case with extenuating circumstances which could only be resolved by negotiating directly with the named supplier.