Scope
Description
The Provision of licence and support/maintenance of ICCs Cortex software and hardware for Northamptonshire Police utilising Regulation 41 of the Procurement Act 2023- Direct award in special cases.
The software is a critical provision for Northamptonshire Police as it facilitates the airwave link between the force control room and officers in the field.
The Procurement Act 2023 Section 41 allows for direct award in special cases to a supplier who is not an excluded supplier. Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 outlines the circumstances on which the Authority can utilise Section 41.
Having considered the circumstances in Schedule 5, it is ascertained that paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 apply due to the technical requirement for Zetron to provide the licences and support/maintain their own software. In addition, a change in supplier would create duplication or disproportionate technical difficulties for this critical system.
Contract 1. The provision of licences and support for ICCs Cortex
Supplier
Contract value
- £461,962.05 excluding VAT
- £554,354.46 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
10 April 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 April 2025 to 13 April 2028
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Goods
Additional procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
- 72253000 - Helpdesk and support services
Contract locations
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
During the term of the contract the following risks have been identified:
1) the need to replace hardware associated with the provision if it cannot be fixed through support and maintenance
2) the need to upgrade the software during the term to keep up with the N1 support structure to ensure operational resilience
Whilst some budget has been provisioned for this within the contract value, there may be a requirement for further activity if the above risks occur more frequently.
Additional risks include:
- switchover of airwave provision to ESN. Due to the national programme of delivery there may be some required activity to mitigate risks and to ensure operational resilience during switchover to ensure public and officer safety.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
Zetron provide the software licences required for this critical Force control room system. As the provider they are the only supplier who can offer support and maintenance for the software. This activity is for further additional support and maintenance following a previous compliant contract. Moving away from this provision would create disproportionate technical difficulties and duplication and would significantly impact the delivery of emergency (999) public services and put at risk officer and public safety.
Supplier
ZETRON LIMITED
- Companies House: 14700366
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTHJ-5182-ZDTM
Minster Corner
Hull
HU1 1RR
United Kingdom
Email: emeasales@zetron.co.uk
Website: http://www.zetron.com
Region: UKE11 - Kingston upon Hull, City of
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. The provision of licences and support for ICCs Cortex
Contracting authority
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQZB-4253-GCQD
Darby House, Darby Close, Park Farm Industrial Estate
Wellingborough
NN8 6GS
United Kingdom
Region: UKF25 - North Northamptonshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government