Scope
Description
In 2023 TfGM entered into an agreement with the supplier using the RM3808 Network Services framework from CCS. To procure WAN connectivity "eVPN" to support its business critical services. This was for a 2 year period only and this ended in March 2025.
Following the rollout and deployment of GM One across the Greater Manchester region, it was intended for these services to be migrated over to the GM One network, however the delivery of the replacement circuits has been delayed.
In order to maintain the required WAN connectivity, a further 12 month extension for this service is required.
The intention was for TfGM to look to extend the current agreement for this short period but the supplier was not able to do this due to the value. Therefore a new 12 month contract (following no competition) is looking to be used instead. At the end of this 12 month period, the service will be taken up by GM One as was always intended.
This notice provides transparency around the reasons for this single source procurement of Virgin Media Business to continue to provide this service to TfGM for a further 12 month period.
The aggregated value of this new contract and the past spend on the original contract take this over the threshold.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £74,995 excluding VAT
- £89,994 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
23 May 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 May 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 10 months, 9 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 64200000 - Telecommunications services
Contract locations
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
This notice provides transparency around the reasons for this single source procurement.
The decision to enter into a new contract with Virgin Media Business Limited with respect to providing this service is as follows:
Most sites of this type have migrated over to GM ONE, some residual sites (sites not connected by GM ONE LLFN) require an alternative method of connectivity. This connectivity will be provided by a newly contracted proposal from GMCA known as NON LLFN.
Contracts have been signed to provide the NON LFFN service, but TfGM will not be able to migrate over to it in time for the end of the current contract for eVPN services.
This eventuality, that not all sites would be able to be migrated over to GM ONE at its start, was not and could not be foreseen by TfGM and as a result a new short-term contract with the current provider is required to ensure continuity of this service until the new GM ONE proposal is ready to take on management of these sites.
Migration to a new supplier for the eVPN services in the circumstances would result in disproportionate technical difficulties and disproportionate onboarding and offboarding costs.
Supplier
VIRGIN MEDIA BUSINESS LIMITED
- Companies House: 01785381
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPGB-1335-XDCL
500 Brook Drive
Reading
RG2 6UU
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Transport for Greater Manchester
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNJQ-2746-NWYT
2 Piccadilly Place
Manchester
M1 3BG
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@tfgm.com
Website: http://www.tfgm.com
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government