Transport for London (TfL) has started searching for a partner to take over its core IT support services, which will include software development, consulting and network infrastructure.
The government body is seeking five partners to bid for the contract - worth up to £70 million - with the successful applicant to take over from January 2020. The contract will last for four years and includes the possibility of a further three upon completion.
In its contract listing, TfL said its future IT partner will be required to deliver continuous service improvements and innovation, reduce costs and improve overall service for TfL customers.
Day-to-day requirements include service desk and desk-side assistance, support for customer information screens, delivery of audio/visual equipment, meeting rooms, as well as hardware and software support. The successful bidder will also work closely with TfL in offering recommendations and guidance on “leveraging new technology and/or ways of working to further optimise TfL’s core support services”.
The move comes as two of TfL’s current IT service contracts approach their completion - the Primary Service Desk (PSD) contract run by Atos, and the Desk Side Support (DSS) contract operated by Computacenter.
TfL added that it may engage further with the successful bidder during the contract in order to “review and potentially provide additional services” in line with the body’s strategic direction.
IT service providers are invited to apply for the tender before the 31 October deadline, although TfL advised that the contract would not be suitable for SMEs.
