Scope
Reference
CAS-01260-X9S1P2
Description
This procurement is for the supply of network infrastructure services. Claranet has been Aster's network infrastructure partner for over 10 years. Aster currently procures network infrastructure services that include the design, delivery, and ongoing management of its core networking environment from Claranet. This encompasses:
-MPLS Network - A secure, high-performance network for connecting multiple sites.
-Data Centre Breakout - Connectivity solutions for data centre operations.
-Cloud Connect Services - Direct, reliable connections to cloud platforms.
-CoLocation Environments - Hosting and managing critical infrastructure in secure facilities.
-Network Equipment and Circuits - Fully managed hardware and connectivity assets.
These services ensure Aster's network is robust, scalable, and aligned with its strategic growth and acquisition plans.
Claranet acts as Aster's network infrastructure partner, delivering:
-Design and Implementation - Creating tailored network architectures and deploying them.
-Continuous Management - Proactive monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of network performance.
-Ownership and Control - Managing all network equipment and circuits, which are Claranet-owned assets.
-Strategic Insight - Leveraging deep historical knowledge of Aster's environment and future roadmap to provide designs and budgetary proposals for upcoming growth.
-Risk Mitigation - Ensuring operational continuity and minimizing disruption by maintaining existing infrastructure.
Claranet's long-standing involvement gives it unique expertise and readiness to support Aster's current and future network needs.
Contract 1. Office Network Connections Renewal
Suppliers
Supplier not yet selected
Contract value
- £972,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
19 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 23 December 2025 to 21 December 2028
- Possible extension to 20 December 2030
- 4 years, 11 months, 29 days
Description of possible extension:
1+1
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 51000000 - Installation services (except software)
Contract locations
- UKK - South West (England)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - further goods, services or works following a competitive procedure
Claranet Limited has been Aster's network infrastructure partner for over 10 years, providing great technical knowledge of the existing environment. Over this period, Claranet has designed, delivered, and continuously managed Aster's MPLS network, Data Centre breakout, Cloud Connect services, and CoLocation environments. This ongoing operational involvement means Claranet possesses the deepest understanding of Aster's current architecture, performance characteristics, dependencies, and growth requirements.
All network equipment and circuits in scope are owned and managed by Claranet. These assets cannot be transferred to an alternative supplier and would require complete replacement and installation of new infrastructure if another provider were selected.
While other Suppliers could theoretically be able to provide the same services as Claranet, they would not be able to utilise or integrate with the existing Claranet-managed MPLS environment. Any such replacement would require a complete new installation of hardware and circuits, alongside associated reconfiguration and migration activities. This would significantly increase costs due to:
-procurement of new equipment,
-installation and engineering time on site,
-dual-running or transition overheads, and
-potential downtime or service disruption during cutover.
This introduces significant cost, risk, and operational disruption should a new Supplier be awarded this contract.
Claranet also has detailed insight into Aster's future network roadmap, including planned growth and acquisition activity, and has already produced designs and budgetary proposals to support and scale with Aster's strategic direction. No other supplier has this level of established access, historical knowledge, or readiness to provide the necessary design, integration, and installation support for the current and future network.
Contracting authority
ASTER GROUP LIMITED
- Companies House: IP29573R
Sarson Court
Devizes
SN10 2AZ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Victor Ayaga
Region: UKK15 - Wiltshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government