Decision details

Microsoft licences are the most expensive spend of GMP’s IT department every year and cover all Windows, Server, and Azure costs. The approximate spend per annum is nearly £6million

Procurement legislation requires GMP to award a new contract for these goods and services. It is recommended that GMP participate in the ESPO Crown Commercial Supplier aggregation exercise. There is an expectation that GMP may benefit from the combined purchasing power of a number of public sector bodies and indeed other bodies may benefit from the inclusion of GMP.

GMP may undertake a benchmarking exercise, if the delivered pricing is not seen as the best available and indeed may withdraw and run our own exercise. A further approval would be sought if this approach was necessary. GMP are not committed to purchase following the aggregation exercise.

Approval is given to tender the contract for the supply of Microsoft Licences using the aggregation exercise run by ESPO\Crown Commercial Suppliers.

GMP require a 3+1+1+1 contract.

Do nothing – rejected as non-compliant with Procurement Legislation and Chief Constable’s Financial Instructions
• Undertake a bespoke procurement exercise (OJEU) –rejected as a suitable exercise is being undertaken.
• Extend current arrangements – rejected as non-compliant with Procurement Legislation and Chief Constable’s Financial Instructions