Digital Connectivity Programme - 1gb Broadband Install and Service Delivery

North Lanarkshire Council (the “Council”) is undertaking a major digital transformation programme to deliver gigabit capable broadband connectivity to approximately 37,000 Council owned social housing properties across the authority area. The programme is a core component of the Council’s Digital Connectivity Masterplan and supports wider strategic ambitions including but not limited to:

-Inclusive growth,

-Tackling digital exclusion,

-Improving access to public and digital services, and

-Enabling technology enabled living within Council homes

The programme reinforces the Council’s commitment to ensuring that tenants are not disadvantaged by a lack of access to high-quality full-fibre connectivity and recognises that reliable digital connectivity is now an essential utility, underpinning access to employment, education, healthcare, welfare services and community participation.

The proposed Agreement is expected to be primarily focused on the design, installation and delivery of physical full-fibre connectivity, through the deployment of full fibre to the premises (FTTP) across the Council’s social housing estate.

At a high level, the scope is expected to include:

• Design and construction of a gigabit capable FTTP network serving approximately 37,000 Council homes
• Installation across a diverse housing stock, including:

x Semi detached and terraced houses

x Cottage flats

x Low rise and high rise multi dwelling units (MDUs)

• Associated civil engineering and enabling works, including:

x Cabling, ducts, chambers, cabinets and in building walls, ceilings, brickwork etc.

• Installation of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
• Delivery over a programme period of no more than five years from appointment

The proposed Agreement will also include a Broadband Delivery Service which will include:

• Internet router hardware to enable connectivity.
• Internet service provision to the property.
• Managed service (customer service centre to handle issues & complaints) directly to tenant.

A 14 + 5 year duration is intended for the Agreement as it should provide the Council with long-term service and cost stability, while aligning with key lifecycle events such as Year 5 benchmarking and a Year 7 technology refresh. The model also supports future broadband speed requirements and aligns with expected router replacement cycles.

Full information on the requirements of this procurement procedure are detailed within the tender documents available on the PCS-Tender platform.

Given the Competitive Procedure with Negotiation is being utilised for this procurement procedure, the Council reserves the right to award the Contract on the basis of initial tenders without entering into negotiation

The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this PQQ exercise. The Project code is 33024. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343

A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363

Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/

A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:

Community Benefit / Social Value conditions are as stated in the procurement documents