The BBC
has announced the shortlist of bidders selected for the next round
in the procurement process for its new technology services contract
and the sale of its IT subsidiary BBC Technology.
Among the
shortlist for the 10-year, £2bn contract are Computer Sciences
Corporation, Fujitsu, EDS, Capita, Accenture, IBM, Logica and
Hewlett-Packard. The shortlist will be cut to three in April, with
the contract expected to begin in September.
BBC chief
technology officer John Varney said, “We have received really
positive feedback from the market about this deal, and are
delighted to be able to announce that our timetable for procurement
is on track.
“During the next
phase of the process there will be a rigorous evaluation of not
only the technology expertise and operations of these bidders, but
their culture and fit with the BBC – this is a crucial part of our
negotiations.”
The move to choose
a new IT outsourcing partner followed an internal strategic review
of the BBC’s IT requirements for the next decade. The review
identified potential annual savings for the BBC of at least £20m if
its IT services were outsourced.
The savings,
combined with the profits from the sale of BBC Technology, will
allow the BBC to invest more money into its programmes and
services.
However, the
proposed sale of BBC Technology has led to protests from broadcast
union Bectu, which has expressed concern about the risk posed to
BBC activities by handing control of its communication and IT
networks over to a private company.
The process for
procurement and sale, which is subject to the approval of the
secretary of state for culture, media and sport, will be conducted
in full consultation with staff and unions, the BBC said.