14th February: a&o Systems + Services UK today announced it has been awarded Framework Agreements by OGCbuying.solutions within the Telecom Networks Framework (TNF), having been successful during a competitive procurement process, fully compliant with EU Directives. The framework agreements allow customers throughout the public sector to place orders with a&o under standard terms and conditions of the agreement.

a&o bid for two of the twelve TN Framework lots – for Wireless Data Infrastructure (Lot6) and Networking Equipment (Lot 7) – and was successful in meeting the OGCbuying.solutions evaluation criteria. OGCbuying.solutions evaluated and measured each company against numerous commercial, operational, financial, quality, environmental, security and technical criteria. The evaluations ensure that each successful company possesses the necessary skill sets and accreditations to manage large scale public sector implementations on time and on budget.

The two lots enable a&o to tender for public sector contracts covering a range of technologies. The Wireless Data Infrastructure lot includes the implementation of licensed and unlicensed Wi-Fi, WiMAX, satellite broadband and mobile/personal wireless data services, and the Networking Equipment lot includes the provision of LAN/WAN routers & switches, Public Branch Exchange (PBX), VoIP hardware and software, telephony switches and handsets and associated software, together with associated services such as installation and support.

“Technology plays an ever more significant role in public sector organisations looking to deliver service innovation, improve efficiency and enhance customer access to facilities,” said Adrian Cooper, Business Development Director at a&o. “The award of the TN Framework Agreement reflects our experience in delivering wireless and networking infrastructures, and our track record in helping public sector bodies across the country to realise their strategic communications goals.”

a&o has a long-standing heritage in delivering ICT infrastructure solutions and support in local and regional government and health organisations. It has helped authorities including Cheshire County Council, Hertfordshire County Council and Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council to design, deploy and support major infrastructure implementations.