URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8219

Decision Maker: Executive Director Resources & Partnerships (Stephan Van Arendsen)

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with  The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 - Regulation 33 (8)(a), for the award of a call-off contract to Trustmarque Ltd. for Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Management Support Service from 1st July 2026 to 30th June 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 30th June 2030.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 - Regulation 33 (8)(a), via a direct award call-off contract under the Government Commercial Agency Framework Ref: RM1557.14 – G?Cloud 14, and the successful supplier has been identified as providing the most economically advantageous solution to the Council.  

Content: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with  The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 - Regulation 33 (8)(a), for the award of a call-off contract to Trustmarque Ltd. for Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Management Support Service from 1st July 2026 to 30th June 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 30th June 2030.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 - Regulation 33 (8)(a), via a direct award call-off contract under the Government Commercial Agency Framework Ref: RM1557.14 – G?Cloud 14, and the successful supplier has been identified as providing the most economically advantageous solution to the Council.   (i)       That, in accordance with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 - Regulation 33 (8)(a), a call-off contract under the Government Commercial Agency Framework Ref: RM1557.14 – G?Cloud 14, be awarded to Trustmarque Ltd. for Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Management Support Service from 1st July 2026 to 30th June 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 30th June 2030.   (ii)       That the Procurement Team be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation after conclusion of the standstill period / call-in period.   Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected because allowing the current Microsoft Enterprise Agreement to lapse on 30th June 2026 would result in the withdrawal of access to Microsoft 365 Services uses across all Council services. This would immediately affect staff who rely on email, file storage, collaboration tools, and security functions to deliver statutory, frontline and resident facing services.   Deliver in house: This option was considered and rejected because the Council does not have the capability or legal entitlement to procure and manage Microsoft enterprise licensing directly. Microsoft enterprise licensing must be procured through approved frameworks and accredited partners. The ability to deliver this requirement in?house would not be feasible within existing resources and would risk non?compliance with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Council’s procurement obligations.  

Date of Decision: June 10, 2026