Decision details

Decision Maker: Assistant Director (Finance (Revenues) & IT)

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

This decision is for the procurement of new laptops to replenish stock for new starters in the council as well as the replacement of ageing user devices.
Tendring IT’s 5 - 7 year laptop replacement program ensures council devices nearing end-of-life are upgraded before they become unusable or insecure.
Key benefits of the procurement include:
1.Value for Money: Devices were selected via the Crown Commercial Services Buying Catalogue (RM6098 Lot 8), using predefined criteria and a blinded supplier process.
2.Cybersecurity: Replacing outdated laptops ensures continued receipt of essential security updates.
3.Business Continuity: The upgrade reduces service disruption and maintains support for critical digital services.
4.Procurement Procedures: The Essex Procurement Team led the process to ensure compliance with required procedures.
5.Resilience Enhancements: New devices strengthen the council’s overall IT resilience.
The procurement route was carried out utilising the Crown Commercial Services Buying Catalogue (RM6098 Lot 8).
Budget is in place within the IT budgets for this procurement.
The costs for this procurement totals £63,812.00
From an equality/ accessibility perspective all the council’s IT supportive services will continue to be offered in an accessible manner.

Decision:

To procure new laptops.

The Council has decided to purchase laptops through the Crown Commercial Services Buying Platform (RM6098 Lot 8) which is specifically designed to accommodate requirements below the procurement threshold and of low complexity.
This platform selects suppliers solely based on price, thereby ensuring the most cost-effective solution.
Utilising this catalogue has enabled the Council to make procurement decisions that emphasise value for money.
The extensive range of items available enabled comprehensive comparison between various models, ensuring informed and cost-effective selections.
Upon completion of this procurement, the Council will enter into a call-off agreement with Sumillion Limited, the appointed supplier of the laptops.
This approach is fully compliant with the Council’s procurement procedures.
The procurement will be for 106 x Laptops at £602.00 totalling £63,812.00

Alternative options considered:

1)Doing nothing is not an option.
2)The service has minimal device (laptop) stock levels, and this new stock will be issued/ utilised very quickly. Without stock, the council wouldn't be able to replace old devices that would increase cyber security risks

Publication date: 24/02/2026

Date of decision: 24/02/2026