Bull has announced it has been awarded a framework agreement for IT Managed Services by the public sector procurement agency, Buying Solutions.

The award makes Bull's IT Managed Services available to all UK public sector organisations which are seeking to contract a supplier who can design, implement and manage end-to-end, cost effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services. This announcement follows Bull being awarded a framework agreement for IT Infrastructure Products and Services by Buying Solutions in April this year.

With framework agreements for IT Infrastructure Products and Services, and now, IT Managed Services, Bull is well positioned to further its work in supporting the UK public sector make the efficiency drives and cost savings required to meet Government budgetary and environmental targets. These include saving £300m per year on ICT projects and reducing power and cooling requirements by 75%.

Dick Fens CEO Bull UK&I believes the announcement underlines how Bull's novel ability to manage every aspect of the ICT process can help drive transformation in the UK's public sector.

"At Bull we are very familiar with the challenges the public sector faces to make efficiency savings through streamlining operations without impacting front line services," he says. "The proof of this is our 40 year track record as a supplier to the public sector, and working in partnership with organisations such as Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Nottingham City Council, Cheshire County Council, Cardiff University and Manchester Metropolitan University amongst others."

"With framework agreements for hardware and software as well as managed services this is a clear demonstration of the confidence in Bull's ability to deliver innovative, sustainable and cost effective technology for public sector organisations," Fens adds. "Public bodies need to streamline and improve services to end users and Bull is now well placed to help them achieve these ambitious targets to increase efficiencies, make cost savings and reduce environmental impact."

A further benefit is the fact that the framework agreement provides a simplified procurement process that meets the European legislative requirements of public sector organisations with nationally negotiated pricing and pre-agreed terms and conditions. This removes the need for lengthy tendering processes or complex procurement arrangements meaning efficiencies can be achieved in much shorter timescales.

Also commenting, Ray Halliday, Director, Managed Services said: "It's a real achievement for Bull to have been given recognition and the opportunity to compete for Public Sector business through the Buying Solutions IT Managed Services Framework agreement. Inclusion in this framework will enable Bull to support the government ICT strategy and provide added value to the public sector whilst growing the UK Managed Services business."

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About Buying Solutions
Buying Solutions is the national procurement partner for all UK public services and is part of the Efficiency and Reform Group within the Cabinet Office.

Its role is to deliver best value for customers in central government and the wider public sector through the efficient procurement and supply of essential goods and services.

Buying Solutions saves its customers time, money and effort by providing access to trusted, compliant, and sustainable procurement solutions, which deliver measurable savings, value for money and peace of mind.

For further information visit http://www.buyingsolutions.gov.uk/

About Bull, Architect of an Open World™
Bull is an Information Technology company, dedicated to helping Corporations and Public Sector organisations optimise the architecture, operations and the financial return of their Information Systems and their mission-critical related businesses. Bull focuses on open and secure systems, and as such is the only European-based company offering expertise in all the key elements of the IT value chain. For more information visit: http://www.bull.com/

Contact us for more information at: information@bull.co.uk