Technology Solutions – Strategic Telecommunications Services
On March 23, 2005, the Province and ten BPS entities comprised of ICBC, WorkSafe BC, BC Hydro, BC Lotteries Corporation, Northern Health Authority, Interior Health Authority, Fraser Health Authority, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Vancouver Island Health Authority and Provincial Health Services Authority entered into the Master Competitive Services Agreement (MCSA) with TELUS Communications Inc. and TELUS Services Inc. for the provision of a variety of competitive network services.
The MCSA has an annual value of approximately $75 million. On July 9, 2008, the agreement was amended and restated for the purpose of extending the initial term for two years ending December 31, 2010. This extension would allow time for a project team to develop a new procurement strategy for future telecommunications services.
The STSP Solution Delivery team objective is to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to meet evolving and future telecommunications infrastructure needs for the Province and participating broader public sector organizations. In addition, the Province is leveraging its buying power to include clearly articulated social benefits in order to meet its objective of closing the Digital Divide for all British Columbians in rural and remote areas and expanding cellular coverage along major corridors.
The Solution Delivery team developed a unique strategy that bridges traditional procurement with a negotiation phase – now known as the Negotiated Request for Proposal (NRFP).
Project Phase:
Currently in the procurement phase.
Service Bundles:
Telephone and cellular
Internet service
Wide Area Network and
Local Access
Conferencing Services
Long Distance
Benefits:
Expanded cellular and broadband services in rural areas of BC
Community economic development
