Network Services

Networks and telecommunications services, including the Public Services Network and the Health and Social Care Network.

Updates

14/03/2019 – Update – This framework will expire on 26/07/2019. It will be replaced by Network Services 2 – RM3808

If you are planning a Network Services procurement which is due for award in July or later, get in touch by email networkservices@crowncommercial.gov.uk

Description

Network Services covers networks and telecommunications services for all public sector organisations. This agreement provides access to specialist suppliers who can deliver the services under the 10 individual lots, as well as suppliers who can provide multiple services across a number of lots. The ability to appoint an agent, to procure on your behalf from this agreement, provides additional flexibility for complex requirements.

The breakdown of services into separate lots and a focus on core components within those lots has encouraged the participation of more small businesses providing niche solutions.

All NHS organisations are required to procure network services through Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) compliant suppliers on this agreement. HSCN is the data network that replaces N3. If you are buying for health and care organisations you can also use the HSCN dynamic purchasing system (RM3825).

If you need only maintenance for technology products use the Technology services 2 agreement (RM3804), and to buy hardware use Technology products 2 agreement (RM3733).

Benefits

  • Flexible contract lengths
  • Migration path for legacy technology
  • Savings from new and emerging technologies
  • Pre-defined and agreed contract terms and conditions with some ability for minor variations.

Products and suppliers

There are 52 suppliers on this framework

Lot 1 : Data access services
Ranged connectivity services: site-to-site or site-to-cloud. Includes terrestrial, wireless and satellite solutions, network security, equipment, support, connectivity circuits, IP connectivity, ISP and internet services.

Expires:

24 suppliers

Lot 2 : Local connectivity services
Single site connectivity including LAN and SAN equipment, wired or wireless connectivity, plus specialised power solutions, managed equipment rooms, monitoring, audit and testing services, security and operational management solutions.

Expires:

24 suppliers

Lot 3 : Traditional telephony services
Voice services connecting local traditional telephony equipment with public network. Includes traditional voice connectivity, voice call packages, SIP trunks, DDI ranges, CPS services, support for legacy equipment estates and their subsequent transition.

Expires:

23 suppliers

Lot 4 : Inbound telephony services
Inbound call management services for established local call centre functions including non-geographical numbers such as 03xx, 05xx, 08xx and 09xx.

Expires:

21 suppliers

Lot 5 : IP telephony services
End-to-end IP telephony services with the ability to connect to the public network. This Lot’s solutions are strictly IP based and include voice call packages, DDI ranges, messaging services, contact-centre functionality and speech recognition software.

Expires:

22 suppliers

Lot 6 : Mobile voice and data services
Including voice calls and voicemail, SMS, mobile email, mobile data connectivity and applications, value-added mobile services and mobile device management.

Expires:

17 suppliers

Lot 7 : Paging services
Paging and mobile messaging including bureau services.

Expires:

6 suppliers

Lot 8 : Video-conferencing services
Traditional and IP based conferencing services. Includes consultancy and training services, software management tools, call recording, analysis tools, peripheral equipment and transcribing and translation services.

Expires:

24 suppliers

Lot 9 : Audio-conferencing services
Includes call recording, playback, analysis tools, the ability to reserve and pre-book, coded access references peripheral equipment, software, management tools, security access products, collaboration tools, transcribing and translation services.

Expires:

16 suppliers

Lot 10 : Integrated communications
Integrated solutions for a consistent user interface across a range of end-user devices. This lot incorporates components from lots 5, 6, 8 and 9.

Expires:

22 suppliers

Lot 11 : Agency Services
Agency Services can only be procured with one of the framework lots detailed above

Expires:

14 suppliers

How to buy

There are 10 lots. Some suppliers can deliver across a number of lots, others offer solutions in just one lot. The structure is designed to encourage more small businesses to participate. Each lot contains a core component which must form part of your requirement.

There are three ways to buy:

Direct award

Available on all lots, direct award is suitable for straightforward requirements. Supplier offers are shown in the government eMarketplace. If you currently use Zanzibar you should already be able to access the catalogue.

Short form further competition

Use this if you do not want to amend call-off terms and your requirement can be met through one lot of the agreement.

General further competition

Use this if you need maximum flexibility, and the ability to run cross-lot competitions. This lot allows you to appoint an agent as an additional requirement.

Documents