Scope
Reference
NSHG0005
Description
North Star Housing Group is seeking to appoint a Managed Service Partner (MSP) to provide and support core ICT infrastructure and networks.
North Star's current managed service contract terminates in mid-February 2026 and its architecture was designed around a legacy co-location data centre and MPLS network design. Over recent years, North Star has adopted a "Cloud First" strategy for the delivery of its ICT services and many of its legacy systems are now delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions. A small number of applications remain to be hosted by the appointed MSP, and these will potentially further reduce during the contract term as further hosted applications are replaced by SaaS solutions
The MSP will be required to support North Star's delivery of services to its headquarters in Stockton-on-Tees and eight smaller sites in the region, although it is envisaged that the MSP will deliver a significant amount of service remotely and limited attendance at North Star premises may be required. Note that visits to staff homes or partner locations will not be required and that supply, support and logistics for end-user devices is not in-scope.
The scope of the MSP contract includes:
• Strategic Architecture
• Hosting
• Wide Area Networks
• Local Wired and Wireless Area Networks
• Second- and Third-Line Service Desk
• Security including Firewall Management
• Patching
• Backup
• Business Continuity
• End-User Device Services (limited to provision of thin-client desktop, e.g. Citrix)
• Account Management
• Monthly Service Reports and Meetings
• Onboarding of Services
• Rate Card for ad-hoc work
Total value (estimated)
£1,800,000 excluding VAT
£2,160,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
15 February 2026 to 15 February 2029
Possible extension to 15 February 2032
6 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
15 February 2026 to 14 February 2029
3 years
Possible extension to 14 February 2032 at North Star's sole discretion
Contract 1. ICT Managed Service
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,800,000 excluding VAT
- £2,160,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
22 September 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
2 October 2025
Standstill period
- End: 13 October 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
14 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 February 2026 to 15 February 2029
- Possible extension to 15 February 2032
- 6 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
Possible extension to 14 February 2032 at North Star's sole discretion
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 30211300 - Computer platforms
- 72222300 - Information technology services
- 72250000 - System and support services
Contract locations
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
Information about tenders
- 10 tenders received
- 10 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 4 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 3 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 9 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Submission
Submission type
Tenders
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Concession
Supplier
ANS GROUP LIMITED
- Companies House: 03176761
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDCR-5791-CBWT
1 Archway
Manchester
M15 5QJ
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@ansgroup.co.uk
Website: https://www.ans.co.uk/
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. ICT Managed Service
Contracting authority
NORTH STAR HOUSING GROUP
- Companies House: IP21256R
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTGM-5183-NXYN
Endeavour House
Thornaby
TS17 6QN
United Kingdom
Region: UKC11 - Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government