Development of the INHFL Online Platform (Phases 2 & 3)

Concepts

• information technology
• discovery phase
• online platform
• the full online platform
• the inhfl online platform
• develop
• platform
• inhfl
• uk interests
• beta release level

Location

London

Description

Development of the INHFL Online Platform (Phases 2 & 3)

Total Quantity or Scope

This project will form the first step in a larger programme to inform all government departments about the predicted natural hazard threats which affect UK interests overseas.Following successful development of a prototype in Phase 1 of the project under MoA (Discovery Phase), Phases 2 and 3 of this project plan to develop the full online platform to beta release level.

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 72222300 - Information technology services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

The STA (Single Tender Action) purchasing strategy is best suited for this project commission for the following reasons:• It was paramount that the platform should be designed by one of the partners because only the partners understand the sensitivity of the data being used. • Only partners can access further required data layers (for example, population data, trade data, geological data, oceanic currents and vegetative indices) and that the developer should have a soundtrack record in developing these types of platforms (for example Geology of Britain viewer | British Geological Survey (BGS)). • During initial conversations amongst the INHFL operational group (UK Met Office, BGS, APHA, Defra, UKHSA, Go-Science) it was identified that those science agencies with ready access to digital support should lead on the development of the new platform. • This was passed to BGS and Met Office, and laterally BGS (due to capacity reasons, particularly the need to begin work FY21-22), as being able to provide that digital support and have an established understanding of the INHFL product • Therefore, STA is the preferred route than going through a third party (outside of the INHFL partnership).• There is also no in-house capacity within Defra and its network to get access to manage the platform being developed. Since completion of Phase 1 the incumbent supplier (BGS) has been working with Defra to prepare for Phases 2 and 3 work to ensure they follow Defra and Cabinet rules regarding IT and online platform.Direct award is therefore recommended in line with regulation 32 (2b) of the Public Contract Regulations as detailed below, with particular reference to (ii) and (iii):Use of the negotiated procedure without prior publication32.— (2) The negotiated procedure without prior publication may be used for public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts in any of the following cases:—(b)where the works, supplies or services can be supplied only by a particular economic operator for any of the following reasons:—(i)the aim of the procurement is the creation or acquisition of a unique work of art or artistic performance,(ii)competition is absent for technical reasons,(iii)the protection of exclusive rights, including intellectual property rights,As such, BGS is the only choice for their inclusivity as a selected member to INHFL network to handle data and their expertise as well as for continuation of use of its prototype developed in Phase 1. Thus, direct award should be given to the BGS to continue development of the INHFL Online Platform, and this selection qualifies as an STA.