Highland Council invites tenders for ICT Core Services

2nd July 2015

The Highland Council has published its notice to tender for ICT Core Services on Public Contracts Scotland website.

The scope of the ICT Core Services to be sourced under this procurement are broadly defined as ‘providing managed technology infrastructure, application systems and desktop services required for the delivery of the Authority's business including educational ICT and online Public Access Services'.

Members of The Highland Council's Resources Committee on 27 May agreed to a procurement approach to replace the Current Fujitsu contract. The current contract comes to an end in Sep 2016 at which point the Council will be putting new contractual arrangements in place. The council had previously agreed that it would not continue with a single large out-sourced contract and is looking to work with a number of suppliers to provide ICT Services to the Council.

The council's annual budget for this contract has been published at no more than £8.65million. The contract duration of 5 years has the potential to extend for up to two years.

Chair of Resources Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said: "The council has looked long and hard at how it provides its ICT services and an outline business case was agreed in April 2013 which agreed that in future the council wanted to work with a number of suppliers to provide a range of ICT Services. We are particularly keen to make some of these contracts more accessible to small and medium sized enterprises.

"We were encouraged by the response we had to our industry day. Having access to modern technology is vital to the delivery of public services across the Highlands and our intention through this procurement is to find the very best companies to work with us into the future."

In addition to the Core Services Contract the Council will be undertaking other smaller procurements for:
• computers, laptops, tablets,
• Managed Printing services; and
• locally managed ICT devices for schools.

The Council currently provides ICT services delivered as part of its current contract to a number of other public bodies such as third party customers including High Life Highland and the Assessor’s Office.

The Council recently held an industry day in Inverness intended to promote the forthcoming contract to which potential bidders from across Scotland and the UK were invited to attend.

Bidders have until 3 August 2015 to submit their Pre-Qualification questionnaire for the Core Services contract.

Full details of the contract notice are available on the Public Contracts Scotland Website at: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL213205

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.  

14/10/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Offices: Go Digital, Bring in Mobile Offices and Save Money?

The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted.  With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.