The successful tenderer will be required to provide IT for the new North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College (NSETC) and Bristol Futures Academy, part of Inspirational Futures Trust, sponsored by Weston College Multi Academy Trust.
In March 2015 Weston College was named as the top Further Education establishment in the country in national awards presented in London. Weston College has recently been graded as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, which means it is officially one of the highest performing colleges in the country, it shall ensure the new NSETC building and Bristol Futures Academy provide state-of-the-art facilities to help raise education standards in the region. Already 98 % of 19+ fulltime learners think 'the college is a great place to study and learn'.
Due to the nature of the College Building Programme, the IT arrangements need to be integrated, enabling the College to continue to undertake its core business of 'creating brighter futures' to secure a positive outcome for all students. The successful contractor shall have a nominated single point to contact to act as project manager to the point that the IT order is fully delivered.
The successful tenderer shall be appointed by 1.4.2016 for completion of the project by early May 2016. The exact date for completion may vary slightly, due to the nature of building and IT installation deadlines, however the appointed tenderer is required to guarantee to meet the final dates agreed as part of the overall building project plan.
The contract being tendered is for the provision of IT, to be securely delivered to and formally received by college management. The value of the contract is in the region of 600 000 GBP. Within this overall budget and as documented on the order, there is a ‘small lot exemption’ for the advance supply of circa 10 laptops in December 2015, i.e. they are not required from the successful bidder.
It should be borne in mind that all IT will be under the standard UK manufacturer's warranty, however proposals for including extended UK warranties shall be considered. The College shall agree a 'sign off' process for the safe receipt of all goods with the successful tenderer, e.g. only a UK Dell warranty shall be considered for Dell Laptops. Where stated only the specified manufacturer and model is acceptable.
The contract is fixed price and any variations to the contract that are requested by the Client should be invoiced pro-rata at the agreed rate and should be calculated on a unit price per item basis.
At the bid presentation stage of procurement shortlisted bidders shall be required to bring exact samples of all IT to present to the assessing panel for their approval. Higher specification items shall be considered only if offered from the same manufacturer and model at the same unit cost as the defined minimum requirement.
Tenderers will be required to ensure that within the proposal they have allowed for adequate transportation and contract supervision for the delivery and secure receipt of all items by the College.
Contractor 'Added Value' in terms of for example 'work experience' or 'sponsoring awards' shall be considered as part of the process to select the successful partner to fulfil this contract.