OGCbuying.solutions launches Geographic Information Services and Solutions (GISS) Framework Agreement
Date Issued: 19 December 2007
Ref. 23/07
OGCbuying.solutions has responded to growing public sector demand for geographic information (GI) to assist commercial decisions and improve the quality of customer service by providing access to a new suite of bespoke GI products and services.
The new Geographic Information Systems and Solutions (GISS) Framework Agreement will provide customers with a quick and EU compliant procurement route to a range of specialist GI suppliers with the expertise, products and services in the following categories:
Geographic Information Solutions - end-to-end GI solution provision including consultancy, design, development, implementation, integration, data transfer, maintenance and support.
Map Making Services - map-making services ranging from collation of source materials using various technologies, cartographic presentation and design to printing of final map sheets. Also includes digital-mapping, aerial and LIDAR mapping services, map scanning and updating services, format and media conversion.
Data Capture, Analysis and Manipulation Services - including updating, audit and management of data, data evaluation and analysis, data and image processing, archiving and hosting. Photo interpretation evaluation, surface production, geo-database manipulation analysis and scoping for data capture techniques.
Uses of GI and associated services can be diverse and include:
- the recording and measurement of change in natural habitats
- the mapping and public dissemination of information on heat loss from buildings
- the development of models that predict the type and extent of forest and woodland
- analysis of data to provide mapping and monitoring of crime
- the assessment of land for its suitability to site specific industries and activities, for example health facilities
Helen George, Buying Solutions' Senior Category Manager, said: "These new arrangements bring together a range of increasingly important, related services into a logical structure delivered by a group of specialist suppliers.
"The framework was designed following consultation with the industry and evaluated with expert help and assistance from Buying Solutions' customers, drawn from central civil government and local authorities.
Customers can browse and/or issue an Invitation to Quote online by simply logging onto www.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk to access the information needed for an online procurement.
In order to access all the features and functionality of the site customers will need to register first. Once the registration process is complete a password and access details will be provided within 24 hours."
Ends
Notes to Editor
OGCbuying.solutions is the trading arm of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), which is itself an office of HM Treasury. The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is an office of HM Treasury, responsible for improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement, from commodities buying to the delivery of major capital projects, maximising the effective use of 60% of Government spending and a £30 billion property estate.
A new Government strategy launched in January 2007, Transforming Government Procurement, highlighted the central importance of procurement in delivering high-quality public services and best value for money. OGC is tasked with delivering this transformation, and with driving up standards and procurement capability across central Government. The OGC will do this through:
- Setting procurement standards and monitoring performance and capability
- Developing a cadre of skilled procurement professionals across Government
- Driving value for money through collaborative procurement
- Playing a stronger role in the successful delivery of major projects
- And improving management and use of the Government estate
OGCbuying.solutions, launched in April 2001, provides public sector procurement professionals with a route to the products and services they need to maximise procurement efficiency and value for money. Its contracts and framework agreements offer substantial savings through significant buying power, economies of scale and strategic partnerships.
Rigorous tendering and evaluation processes ensure that products and services are checked for quality, price competitiveness, fitness for purpose and compliance with statutory requirements. These products and services are available through OGCbuying.solutions Catalist framework agreements, Managed Services and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
More details are available on www.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk