Scope
Reference
TVP00665
Description
The supplier will be providing support and maintenance, health checks and major event cover for our control room software Cortex for a three year term. The Emergency Services Network (ESN) project has been formally resumed at a national level under the direction of the Home Office, with delivery currently anticipated in 2028/2029. Until such time as further guidance and best practice standards are issued by the Home Office, it is necessary to maintain continuity of service through the existing ICCS supplier.
A change of supplier at this stage would impose disproportionate cost. Such activity would result in duplication of expenditure and operational disruption, without delivering commensurate benefit, given the impending transition to ESN.
Contract 1. Cortex Support & Maintenance
Supplier
Contract value
- £520,000 excluding VAT
- £624,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 February 2026 to 13 February 2029
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72261000 - Software support services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
The Emergency Services Network (ESN) project has been formally resumed at a national level under the direction of the Home Office, with delivery currently anticipated in 2028/2029. Until such time as further guidance and best practice standards are issued by the Home Office, it is necessary to maintain continuity of service through the existing ICCS supplier.
A change of supplier at this stage would impose disproportionate cost, including a full implementation programme. Such activity would result in duplication of expenditure and operational disruption, without delivering commensurate benefit, given the impending transition to ESN.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), led by the Home Office, is expected to take effect in 2029. In order to maintain continuity of secure and effective communications over Airwave during the transition period, TVP requires a three-year contractual arrangement with our incumbent supplier. This interim contract will ensure sufficient software capability and provide a managed pathway towards adoption of the ESMCP's designated supplier for future emergency services communications.
Supplier
SOFTCAT PLC
- Companies House: 02174990
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZRT-9169-TVMT
Solar House, Fieldhouse Lane
Marlow
SL7 1LW
United Kingdom
Email: psitq@softcat.com
Website: http://Softcat.com
Region: UKJ13 - Buckinghamshire CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Cortex Support & Maintenance
Contracting authorities
The Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQWX-7678-NJGQ
Thames Valley Police - HQ North
Kidlington
OX5 1NZ
United Kingdom
Email: PST@thamesvalley.police.uk
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
The Chief Constable for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBYY-5165-YGCV
Strategic Headquarters, Leigh Road,
Eastleigh
SO50 9SJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ35 - South Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government