OGC Commercial Activities Recompetition (CAR) Project and the ITIL Refresh - How are they Linked?
23 December 2005
What is this recompetition?
OGC placed a contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 11 November 2005, which was published on 22 November 2005. It invited expressions of interest in the provision of accreditation and publishing services related to a portfolio of OGC best practice products. These are divided into two groups, Service Management (ITIL®) and Programme and Project Management (PPM: PRINCE2â„%, MSP and MoR®). In effect there are four lots, and suppliers may bid for all of them, just one, or any mix.
Why is it being done this way?
This particular division of the requirement was arrived at after a consideration of options, which included some market soundings and input from the ITIL Community. Presently, the services to be provided under this procurement are handled by a mix of contractual arrangements and other agreements with various parties. Under European Procurement law OGC, as a public purchasing authority, is required to openly recompete the provision of such services. The procurement route that has been chosen is the EU negotiated procedure. This was chosen to encourage bidders to suggest innovative approaches. What OGC is looking for is the best way forward to support its highly successful brands as they continue to grow in the global marketplace. Potential bidders had to indicate their interest by 17 December 2005. They have now been sent a prospectus, which gives much more detail about the offering. After a period for bidders to develop proposals, OGC will negotiate with a shortlisted few to refine their proposals, and choose one, or a suitable mix of bids to meet our requirements.
Won't ITIL fall under commercial control?
No. One rumour that we wish to refute is that OGC has any intention of selling off its brands to the highest bidder, or in any way losing control of them. This is not the case. OGC recognises the value to the community of users, of the brands remaining in the public sector, free from any proprietary interest. The OGC wesbite has more information on this issue.
How does this affect the ITIL Refresh?
To a great extent, it is a matter of timing that the ITIL refresh work is happening at the same time as the CAR project. The two are not logically linked, but it does mean that CAR activity is part of the context of the ITIL Refresh. For example, it is unlikely that any of the refreshed books will be published under present arrangements, and there has to be transition planning for all existing services and plans to potential new contractors. OGC will seek to minimise any negative impact on ITIL users, service providers or trainers. The ITIL development work in hand will be transitioned appropriately.
I still have questions about the recompetition
Please e-mail OGC at: car@ogc.gsi.gov.uk.
I still have questions about the ITIL refresh
Please read the ITIL Refresh statement, and other material on this web site, particularly the news section and the FAQs. If you still have a query, please e-mail OGC at: car@ogc.gsi.gov.uk
Jim Clinch
ITIL Products Manager
OGC
