Decision details

The extensive implementation period required to transition to a new solution (approx. 18 months) and the costs of transition to another platform is likely to offset any price reductions that could be derived through competition and potentially incur a loss.
The review of the available solutions coupled with the high transition costs renders this the most appropriate route forward for the Council.
A period of 3 years is an appropriate period to review the market for developments.

Approval for entering into a 3 year Enterprise Licence Agreement with software supplier ESRI to provide a corporate Geographical Information System (GIS) platform for the publication and management of spatial data. The contract enables the Council to provide GIS solutions for both internal and external users, as well as third parties working with the organisation.
The selection of ESRI was undertaken through the use and application of the Crown Commercial Services Framework titled ‘Local Authority Software Applications’. This approach and recommendation was deemed fit for purpose and provided value for money in relation to the costs incurred of a single licence.

A review of similar products available on the framework was undertaken and determined that ESRI was the most viable solution for BCC’s needs. A direct award was permissible under the framework following this audit providing the Council with a compliant route to market.