Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought permission to commence the procurement of Medway Grid for Learning (MGfL) services.

It was noted that the Medway Grid for Learning (MGfL) provided a wide range of services for its members, which included an Internet connection, website hosting, virus protection, first line support, e-mail services for staff and pupils, e-mail and web filtering, secure remote access and secure file transfer.  It was explained that schools constantly use these critical services for day to day administration and to gain access to learning resources.

This reprocurement was for four key services: first line support, e-mail, webfiltering and anti-virus. The Gateway 1 report had been approved for submission to Cabinet after review and discussion at Directorate Management Team Meeting on July 14 2014 and the Procurement Board on 13 August 2014.

An exempt appendix contained key financial information.

Reasons:

This is the preferred option because it offered significantly reduced lead times to implementation, competition was ensured and it confirmed the capability of the successful company. With the urgent requirement to improve standards achieved in schools, it was imperative that schools had the most up to date and cost effective services. It provided best value for money and the quickest route to implementation.