Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
Contact
Stuart Taylor
Telephone
+44 7517498009
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority
one.5) Main activity
Public order and safety
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Market Engagement for the provision of an IT Network to support associated systems
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is in the early stages of preparing to initiate a procurement process for the provision of a complete IT Network to support associated services to facilitate activities for Employment, Skills and Work. The system will incorporate the design, test, deployment, maintenance, and continual development of the complete system including all the physical infrastructure, single or multiple operating systems (installed on physical devices and cloud based), software deployment functionality and the integration with other 3rd party systems and provide overarching system security.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
As part of the continual development and improvement of the way HMPPS delivery IT Network and Associated Services, we are exploring capabilities within the market with a view to better understanding how a new service could be delivered in supporting incoming providers within the new Prison Education Service.
Due to the unique security and operational requirements of prisons, the IT Network and Associated Services will need to meet the requirements of HMPPS and undergo a stringent CHECK certified penetration test. Previous market engagement has explored the availability of Visual Learning Environments that will improve the learner experience and although not within this brief there is an expectation that the provider will work together to deliver the best experience for the learners in our care.
The IT Network and Associated Services will be an online system but will need to interact with an offline in-cell laptop solution.
Infrastructure outline (estimates with capacity to scale up)
8000 end user devices, (device to be explored)
Relevant server infrastructure to support up to 103 plus sites
Cabling infrastructure where needed
Online connectivity – Broadband lines (Dedicated Direct to Internet Circuits)
Backup and storage solutions
1000 printers
1050 Interactive displays with security controls
Other peripheral devices to include but not limited to – Scanners, keyboards, mice, digital pads, web cams, headphones, microphones.
The IT Network and Associated Services must as minimum meet the following requirements.
The IT Network must support all areas of Reducing Re-offending, Learning Skills and Work
New Futures Network
Education
Libraries
Careers Information and Advice Guidance Services
Prison Regime Activity
Screening and Assessment
Content Creator Centres
The functionality to deploy an operating system or multiple operating systems to both the end user device and as a cloud-based solution.
The functionality to manage and deploy software at network, individual computer, server, and cloud-based level against the requirements of the buyer.
The maintenance of the IT Network and Associated Services to include but not limited to:- Hardware and infrastructure, System upgrades as required by the buyer (one upgrade within the 4 year contract at start), maintenance or replacement of peripherals.
Service desk
On-site engineer support
Remote technical support
System Training
Interoperability with 3rd party and HMPPS system via application programme interface. A level of maintenance of APIs will be required.
Full system security to meet HMPPS/MOJ/Cabinet Office requirements.
Suppler required hold ISO27001/27002
Agile response to system change request (Contingency for development and system changes).
Allow listing and category based to websites and services alongside web-browser management using role-based access controls.
Active directory management.
Service requirements delivered via the IT Network synchronisation to systems:
Visual Learning Environment/Learning Management System
Contract Management Data System
Online Exam Facilitation from a range of awarding organisations using awarding body provided software/web-based services
Jobs Board
Labour Market Intelligence and Analytics
CV Writing Facility
Content creation with Role Based Access controls
Staff CPD (PES Providers)
Offline VLE/LMS
Secure Email
Screening and Assessment
Libraries
Structure for the engagement
It is the intention to (invite interested organisations to complete a short Questionnaire and further) hold a showcase event for a select few, structured to enable potential providers to demonstrate their approach to a Digital IT Network to a group of technical and programme staff from His Majesties Prison Service. The demonstration will be directly with a single provider per slot and will not involve other providers or delivered within a group setting
two.2.14) Additional information
Additional information must be requested by email to stuart.taylor6@justice.gov.uk
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
8 January 2024
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
As set out above, the purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to seek feedback and interest from suppliers across a range of aspects relating to the current and future service.
Supplier Engagement will be managed by the Authority utilising the MOJ e-sourcing portal (also known as Jaggaer); Ministry of Justice Sourcing Portal:
https://ministryofjusticecommercial.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html. Suppliers that are not already registered will need to register.
Interested suppliers can register their interest in the PIN, view the associated EM Supplier Briefing pack and are invited to complete a short questionnaire all via the MOJ e-sourcing suite.
Please complete the questionnaire promptly as the next stage of the process is to seek further input from potential providers through market engagement events intended to commence in In January 2023
Once we have analysed the responses to the Questionnaires, we will seek to invite a minimum number of organisations in order to perform a demo and provide commentary on an approach they would take.
Once the MoJ have gauged market interest, we will issue an invite to selected interested parties, confirming the dates, timings and location of supplier forum(s)/event(s).
Potential providers will not be prejudiced by any response to this PIN, or failure to respond. This PIN does not formally signify the beginning of a procurement and does not constitute a commitment by the MoJ to undertake any procurement exercise. The MoJ will reserve its rights as to the procurement route used. In the event that a suitable pre-existing framework is identified during market engagement the MoJ may decide not to issue a contract notice. Should a suitable framework not be identified and the MoJ decides to formally commence the procurement for the EM Future Services in England and Wales, a separate notice will be issued through the Find a Tender service.