Decision details

The Business Case outlines that the current domino-based systems (4 in total) not only need to be decommissioned for several technical architectural reasons, but they have also not been ‘fit for purpose’ for a number of years.

The implementation of a new “single” case management system will provide an all-in-one solution that has built in asset and quality management, enhanced user operability, provides better investigative opportunities to forensic teams and front line officers. Additional benefits include enhanced features and services, improved data and performance management, compliance with forensic ISO accreditation requirements and supporting other legal requirements. It is scalable to meet future evolution in services, customizable to meet technical procedure changes and is compliant with all IS technical design principles going forward.

The solution proposed is called ‘Nimbus’ by Black Rainbow, which is an off-the-shelf product that has been designed to be highly configurable and flexible to the needs of the individual law enforcement agencies. Black Rainbow matched 91% of GMP’s Business requirements. The remaining GMP requirements can be delivered and has been factored into the total cost being requested.

The Deputy Mayor is asked to consider the proposals set out in the Business Case and approve the necessary investment to enable the project to replace and decommission existing Forensic Service Branch Case Management Systems (CMS) within the Digital Investigation Unit (DIU) and within the Forensic CCTV Unit with a 'single' fit for purpose and fit for future CMS system. The proposed solution identified is "Nimbus" by Black Rainbow, which will replace the 4 current domino systems that require urgent decommissioning.

The Deputy Mayor is asked to approve funding as set out below:

1. Approve the expenditure of £653,250 revenue costs in FY 22/23 to commence finalisation of solution design and implementation of the system. Breakdown provided below:
• £132,000 project management resource cost
• £196,750 solution design and implementation costs
• £322,500 solution licence/storage cost year one.
2. Approve the future revenue costs totalling £943,500, that is needed for system upkeep, servicing, licence cost, storage costs etc for the next three years. Breakdown provided below:
• £314,500 23/24 FY solution licence/storage cost
• £314,500 24/25 FY solution licence/storage cost
• £314,500 25/26 FY solution licence/storage cost
3. Approve the award of a 2 year contract for the implementation and maintenance of a new case management system, to Black Rainbow, with the option to extend for a further 2 years. The likely value of 4 years spend would be circa £1.5m.

Alternative solutions have been considered and discounted for several reasons but mainly because they either do not meet the technical business requirements or do not align to GMP’s IT architectural design principles. Careful and detailed scoping exercises have been carried out to identify the proposed solution.

Conversations have also taken place with Head of Procurement to ensure GMP is not in breach and can avoid any future challenge.