CONTRACT NOTICE – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which documentation may be obtained

As in 1.1

1.3

Completed documents must be returned to:

As in 1.1

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Readiness Review

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

The UK’s telecoms networks will undergo substantial change over the coming years as technology evolves and is upgraded.

Between now and 2025 the UK’s traditional telephone network – the ‘public switched telephone network’ (PSTN) - will be

switched off with customers migrated to a newer digital technology known as ‘voice over internet protocol’ (VoIP), with calls

carried over a broadband connection.

The change to VoIP is being led by the industry and there is already work underway through Ofcom and various industry bodies to

prepare for the changes. However, there is a need for the public sector to prepare as well, either in terms of the public sector estate

(lifts, alarms etc.) or the delivery of services (telecare, traffic lights etc.) as well as ensuring that other agencies that provide public

services (third sector etc.) are also prepared.

Although the PSTN switch off is being led by industry with support from Ofcom and the UK Government the Welsh Government

has a role to play in facilitating conversations between these players and the public and private bodies in Wales, but also to

understand public sector preparedness in Wales. This understanding will be used to target further engagement between industry,

Ofcom and the UK Government and public bodies in Wales.

The Welsh Government is looking to appoint a supplier to undertake a high-level review of the preparedness of the public sector in

Wales, and third sector and private bodies that provide key services for them, in relation to the PSTN switch-off and the migration

to VoIP. This high-level review should:

• Provide an evidence-based assessment of the preparedness of the public sector in Wales, and of bodies that provide services to the

public sector, for the switch over from the Public Switched Telephone Network to Voice over Internet Protocol.

• Set-out an appropriate definition of readiness in the context of the PSTN switch-off and the transition to VoIP.

• Identify the plans of the telecommunications industry to switch-over from PSTN to VoIP.

• Identify the range and types of telecommunications services that are reliant on the PSTN network.

• Identify the range of public sector bodies and private and third sector bodies that provide public sector services in Wales.

• Provide an assessment of the risks to services and service users from the state of readiness of public, private and third sector

bodies providing public services.

• Clearly set out recommendations to address any gaps in readiness.

NOTE: The authority is using eTenderwales to carry out this procurement process. To obtain further information record your interest on Sell2Wales at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/search_switch.aspx?ID=128559

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

Duration of the contract will be 12 months. Please refer to the procurement documents on eTenderwales for further information

3 Conditions for Participation

3.1

Minimum standards and qualification required

Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents

4 Administrative Information

4.1

Type of Procedure

Single stage

4.2

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

C187/2022/2023

4.3

Time Limits

4.5

Language or languages in which tenders or requests to participate can be drawn up

4.6

Tender Submission Postbox

5 Other Information

5.1

Additional Information

1. Register your company on the eTenderWales portal (this is only required once):

Navigate to the portal: http://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk Click the “Suppliers register here” link.

Enter your correct business and user details.

Note the username you chose and click “Save” when complete.

You will shortly receive an e-mail with your unique password (please keep this secure). Agree to the terms

and conditions and click “continue”.

2. Express an interest in the itt_100714:

Login to the portal with your username/password.

Click the “ITTs Open to All Suppliers” link (these are the ITTs open to any registered supplier). Click on

the relevant ITT to access the content. The ITT number is 100714

Click the “Express Interest” button in the “Actions” box on the left-hand side of the page.

This will move the ITT into your “My ITTs” page (this is a secure area reserved for your projects only).

Click on the ITT code. You can now access any attachments by clicking the “Settings and Buyer

Attachments” in the “Actions” box.

3. Responding to the invitation to tender:

You can now choose to “Reply” or “Reject” (please give a reason if rejecting).

You can now use the “Messages” function to communicate with the buyer and seek any clarification. Note

the deadline for completion, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the ITT.

There may be a mixture of online and offline actions for you to perform (there is detailed online help

available).

If you require any further assistance use the online help. Alternatively, the BravoSolution helpdesk can be

contacted (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00) on:

E-mail: help@bravosolution.co.uk Phone: +44 8003684850

(WA Ref:128559)

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice