Decision details

As an essential requirement, each partner of Orbis Public Law (OPL) currently has a legal case management system in place.The rationale for combining the four individual databases into one, is therefore clear as it will provide considerable operational benefits, eliminate duplicated system management tasks and result in a reduction of the time, cost and resources required to operate four individual systems.

Civica is the current provider of this system to all four partners and Prescient Plus is the leading legal case management system available in the Local Authority market. OPL is happy that the system’s functionality remains fit for purpose and that the contract performance of Civica is of a high standard. Therefore as a best-for-business decision, OPL do not see the need to pursue any alternatives to the current system at this time.

It was decided that the tender should be directly awarded to Civica under the Crown Commercial Service LASA Framework (Option 1)

Option 1: directly awarded to Civica under the Crown Commercial Service Local Authority Software Applications (LASA) Framework

Option 2 : Competitive Tender
This would be a lengthy process and if an alternative contractor and system were successful, it would take considerable time and resource to mobilise the new system. Taking this route would also mean that the significant investment already made in the Civica system, would be lost.

Option 3: Access Services Through G-cloud 10 Framework
The Prescient product is technically available from Civica though the G-Cloud 10 Framework, however it does not fit the standard offer as Prescient Plus is hosted and not a cloud-based service. Also offering ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions, there would be less scope here to obtain the tailored solution required by OPL.

Option 4: No Action
This would significantly affect delivery of the OPL business plan and result in higher maintenance costs and inefficient working practices.