GRP016 - Software Licence Subscription

SCAPE undertook a structured and evidence-based procurement process over a 12‐month period commencing in Q1 2025 to identify a suitable software licensing and support solution to meet its operational and digital requirements. The process began with market research and information gathering to identify available technologies, potential suppliers, and applicable licensing and procurement models. This included consideration of supplier capabilities, support arrangements, scalability, and indicative commercial terms. SCAPE reviewed and assessed a range of suppliers and procurement routes against SCAPE's requirements, including functional suitability, security and resilience, licensing flexibility, supplier capability, cost, and overall value for money. Costings and commercial options were evaluated as part of this comparative assessment. On completion of this evaluation, a decision was taken to proceed with Softcat. Softcat is the most appropriate overall solution, combining suitable technical capability, competitive commercial terms, and robust ongoing support arrangements. On this basis, Softcat was determined to represent the best value for SCAPE.