Schools software provider procurement
Hi,
Could you please supply me the following procurement information in your capacity as a Local Education Authority under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
For each of the categories that follow, could you please answer the questions below as they relate to schools. If individual schools have their own arrangements please make that clear and provide information for each where that is available.
A. Finance systems for schools (financial management systems, FMS)
B. Budgets systems for schools (budget monitoring/planning systems)
C. School management information systems (MIS)
D. Payroll software or provider for schools
E. HR software or service for schools
Questions:
1. Who is the current software or service provider?*
2. What is the existing contract spend separated into annual spend and maintenance costs, if applicable?*
3. What is the contract’s length, when does it end, how long is the procurement notice period and process length, what is the procurement system used?
4. Who is the procurement process decision maker? Please specify their name and role.
5. Do you, as a local authority, mandate (i.e. through an SLA) that your schools use a service package or supplier arranged by yourselves, or are they able to choose?
6. If schools are able to choose a software and services provider, are there any categories in which choice is mandated by you as a local authority while others are left for schools to choose, i.e. a mix and match basis?
7. If applicable, what is the system implementation provider, shared service provider or technical support provider?
8. Is there a system replacement or transformation project being planned, and if so is it to be outsourced?
9. Is there any system integration in between any of the categories mentioned?
Could you also please tell me how many schools your local authority supports, i.e. the number of local authority-maintained schools.
I would like to pre-empt any possible objections against releasing information under points marked with a star (*). In the case of disclosing information about local authority suppliers, including the amount an authority is paying, I refer to the clearly established public interest in disclosing information about transparency in the spending of public money. It is vital that public bodies are getting value for money when entering into contracts. The disclosure of how much an authority is paying for a service, particularly in the competitive market for educational software, promotes competition and makes it possible for a local authority to pay a lower rate for services. No cost needs to be broken down to the extent to which it may harm a supplier's commercial abilities.
Thank you for your help. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email and I will happily clarify any points you raise.
Best,
Jack Roberts
Dear Mr Roberts
Thank you for your e-mail received on 19 November 2021 requestion information about Schools software provider procurement.
Please note you can now log a Freedom of Information request on our online portal on the following link:
https://www.knowsley.gov.uk/your-council...
I have recorded your request for information under reference F2021.11.4951.
This has been passed to the relevant service and you will receive a response by 16 December 2021.
In line with guidance published by the Information Commissioner’s Office, the council may make a charge for the provision of information – for example in order to cover the costs of postage (in line with the relevant postal charges) or charges for printing and copying (which will reflect photocopying charges levied by the council’s public libraries) or if this falls within the regulations of an EIR (Environmental Information).
You will be informed if a fee is to be applied before information is to be provided.
If you need further information please contact me.
Kind regards,
Customer Liaison Team
Knowsley Council
Archway Road
Huyton
Knowsley
Merseyside
L36 9UX
Your FOI request has been completed
Dear Jack Roberts
Your FOI with Reference Number : 4951 has been completed please click on the link
below to view it
[1]https://knowsleytransaction.mendixcloud....
Customer Liaison Team
Knowsley Council
Archway Road
Huyton
Merseyside
L36 9UX
[2]www.knowsley.gov.uk
References
Visible links
1. https://knowsleytransaction.mendixcloud....
2. http://www.knowsley.gov.uk/
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