Network Tower Agreement

This Business Justification Paper concerns the provision of network connectivity in the MPS. The provision of a ‘flexible’ Network facilitates ongoing transformation programmes including Smarter working, estates rationalisation, efficient deployment of services to frontline resources, such as Body Worn Video, enabling video recording and archiving, and delivering mobility services to all MPS officers and staff. The additional capital request has no impact on revenue. The new Network Tower rollout has separately allowed Digital Policing to make savings as part of delivery of the Medium Term Financial plan.

The DMPC is requested to approve:

The additional capital spend of £8.1m to further modernise MPS network infrastructure as part of the Network Tower rollout which is fully funded within the new draft capital plan with MOPAC for approval in early 2019.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The Network Tower Agreement (NTA) was let as part of the Total Technology Programme – Infrastructure (TTPi). It is the critical network backbone and underpins all IT services delivered to MPS.

1.2. The provision of a ‘flexible’ Network facilitates ongoing transformation programmes including Smarter working, estates rationalisation, efficient deployment of services to frontline resources, such as Body Worn Video, enabling video recording and archiving, and delivering mobility services to all MPS officers and staff.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. The additional capital request has no impact on revenue. The new Network Tower rollout has separately allowed Digital Policing to bank savings as part of delivery of the Medium Term Financial plan [MTFP].

3. Financial Comments

3.1. Impact on Capital. The additional capital spend of £8.1m is fully funded within the existing Digital Policing capital envelope and the updated draft capital plan currently within MOPAC for approval in early 2019.

3.2. Impact on Revenue: The additional capital request has no impact on revenue.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) is a contracting authority as defined in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (the Regulations). All awards of public contracts for goods and/or services valued at £181,302 or above must be procured in accordance with the Regulations. DLS confirms that the proposed procurement routes comply with the Regulations.

4.2. Directorate of Legal Services (DLS) are instructed that the technical and financial scope of the request is within the scope of the original contract as approved by MOPAC. The report also confirms that the contract terms and conditions allow for changes to the Contract through a prescribed change control process. On the basis of this information DLS does not identify any procurement law risks associated with the request.

5. Commercial Issues

5.1. The total contract value of £200m for the Network Tower was approved in decision PCD 151 dated 02/03/17. This paper does not have an impact on the total contract value. The technical and financial scope of the request is within the scope of the original NTA contract.

5.2. The NTA contract terms and conditions allow for changes to the Contract through a prescribed change control process.

6. GDPR and Data Privacy

6.1. The MPS is subject to the requirements and conditions placed on it as a 'State' body to comply with the European Convention of Human Rights and the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018. Both legislative requirements place an obligation on the MPS to process personal data fairly and lawfully in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals.

6.2. Under Article 35 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Sections 57 and 64of the DPA 2018, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) become mandatory for organisations with technologies and processes that are likely to result in a high risk to the rights of the data subjects.

6.3. The Information Assurance and Information Rights units within MPS will be consulted at all stages to ensure the project meets its compliance requirements.

6.4. A DPIA is not required as this relates to an existing service.

7. Equality Comments

7.1. The Equality Act has been considered and the only potential impact identified at present is with the use of assistive technology, however the hardware being purchased has been utilised in many MPS sites since the Contract was agreed and no issues have been raised in relation to it, if we are made aware of any negative impacts, they will be mitigated appropriately.

8. Background/supporting papers

8.1. Report