Scope
Description
LAAT is a strong, outward-facing multi-academy Trust that operates within Greater Lincolnshire.
We are committed to transforming lives through education and believe that every child has inherent potential. We strive to ensure we have the very best colleagues in our settings, well supported by their school-based colleagues, Leaders, and wider network of schools, as well as a dedicated central team of experts.
The Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT) is a Trust of 24 Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire Primary/Infant Schools and one Secondary school (William Lovell).
The Trust is characterised by the fact the majority of the schools are either in market towns or more rural areas. Underpinning this for all schools are the strong family links between the members of the LAAT itself and the objectives of the Diocesan family.
LAAT is dedicated to supporting school improvement and Christian distinctiveness, whilst maintaining each school as a special and unique place in the heart of its unique context.
Since it was established LAAT has demonstrated its ability to provide excellent school improvement and back office support to its schools, taking the majority to Ofsted Good.
OUR VISION
Our Excellence, Exploration and Encouragement powered by Equity vision statement encapsulates the Trust we are today and the Trust we aspire to be in the future. It has meaningful resonance with the work we do and our commitment to overcoming the social inequality faced by our children and young people. We are passionate about improving the life chances of every child in our care, meeting them where they are.
Grounded in faith, we seek to see and understand all in our diverse communities and beyond.
Every pupil has the right to flourish; academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, through an educational experience based on Excellence, Exploration and Encouragement.
Every pupil has the right to receive what they need. And every child will need different things at different times. Providing this, is Equity at work.
Excellence, Exploration and Encouragement powered by Equity.
The LAAT Website is https://thelaat.co.uk
The Trust has an ambitious Digital Strategy Plan which includes the 1:1 provision of devices to pupils (https://thelaat.co.uk/digital-strategy/). The new connectivity solution needs to cater for the current requirements that a modern, connected Trust requires and also allow for the anticipated increase in usage that the digital strategy promotes.
The Trust estimates that it may grow by another 5 small to medium size schools over the life of this contract.
This procurement encompasses a full outsource of all the connectivity and associated security services, such as firewalls and protection from cyber-attacks.
At a high level the key deliverables are:
• A managed connectivity service to connect schools anywhere in England
• A broadband service for each school that meets (as a minimum) DfE guidelines and enables the Trust to deliver on its ambitious digital strategy.
• A 'failover' line
• A firewalled service
• Support and maintenance service
• Full end to end single SLA approach
• Management of any 3rd parties required to provide the service
• Relevant monitoring, management, and reporting
• Full installation and transition service
• Value added services
• A commitment to open, transparent and timely communications with both with the Trust and their IT Support provider
Technical interface into the Trusts outsourced support provision. From the Trust's point of view, the successful bidder should be prepared to work directly with the Trust's ICT Managed Service Provider to resolve any issues and/or requests. To all intents and purposes, the MSP should be viewed as 'part of the Trust'.
Web filtering is not required as part of this solution - this is managed by the Trust's ICT support provider.
For the avoidance of doubt telephony is not included in this procurement, but the solution must support the current VoIP solution.
Bidders should note the following:
• The Trust will provide a standard contract as part of the ITT Pack
• There will not be a requirement for TUPE from existing suppliers.
Further details about the solution requirements will be provided to those bidders who are shortlisted to receive the ITT pack.
Total value (estimated)
- £900,000 excluding VAT
- £1,080,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 32412110 - Internet network
- 32430000 - Wide area network
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
6 March 2026, 11:59pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
13 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The Stage 1 - PSQ Submissions will need to be submitted by email.
Details are in the PSQ Documentation.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 May 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 70% |
| Price | Cost | 30% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
At stage 1, a PSQ will be issued and suppliers will be shortlisted and invited to submit a tender.
Suppliers will be provided with an ITT pack that contains the Stage 2 process, the contracting authority requirements, a draft contract and other relevant information. Suppliers will be asked to respond to the requirements and provide a price for the service. Suppliers will be able to submit clarification questions during the tender writing process.
Following submission of their proposals and costs, their responses will be scored alongside the charges for the service they propose aligning to the weightings described in the tender documents.
The highest weighted score will be deemed to deliver the Most Advantageous Tender, and awarded Preferred Bidder status.
Following a stand still period, the contracting authority will then endeavour to agree and enter into a contract with the Preferred Bidder.
Documents
Associated tender documents
LAAT - Managed Connectivity and Security Services Partner Procurement PSQ v2.docx
Documents to be provided after the tender notice
Emailed directly to shortlisted bidders.
Contracting authority
LINCOLN ANGLICAN ACADEMY TRUST
- Companies House: 08737412
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLGJ-8347-GYVP
Ruskington Chestnut Street C Of E Academy
Ruskington
NG34 9DL
United Kingdom
Email: collette.hunter@laat.co.uk
Region: UKF30 - Lincolnshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
MOXTON EDUCATION LTD
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procurement Consultant
- Companies House: 09008303
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPHN-8276-MGRZ
Ossington Chambers
Newark
NG24 1AX
United Kingdom
Contact name: Graham Thorpe
Region: UKF15 - North Nottinghamshire