Education Scotland procurement of cyber security services and enterprise software platforms: FOI release

Information requested

I am conducting a research project into how public sector organisations procure cyber security services and enterprise software platforms. As part of this, I would be grateful if you could provide the most recent contract information you hold for the following areas:

1. Standard Firewall (Network)

Firewall services that protect the organisation's network from unauthorised access and other internet security threats.

2. Anti-virus Software Application

Programs designed to prevent, detect, and remove viruses, malware, trojans, adware, and related threats.

3. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement 

A volume licensing agreement that may include:

• Microsoft 365 (Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Teams)
• Windows Enterprise
• Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
• Azure services (committed or pay-as-you-go)

4. Microsoft Power BI

Or any alternative business intelligence platform used for data connectivity, dashboards, and reporting. For each of the above areas, I kindly request the following:

1. Who is the existing supplier for this contract?
2. What is the annual spend for each contract?
3. What is the description of the services provided?
4. Primary brand (where applicable)
5. What is the start date of the contract?
6. What is the expiry date of the contract?
7. What is the total duration of the contract?
8. Who is the responsible contract officer?
9. Please include at least their job title, and where possible, name, contact number, and direct email address
10. How many licences or users are included (where applicable)?

Important Notes

• I do not request any technical specifications such as device models, serial numbers, IP ranges, or site-level infrastructure details that may pose a security or operational risk.
• If full disclosure of named personnel is not possible under Section 40 of the FOI Act, I would still appreciate disclosure of job titles and generic contact information, such as a team inbox or switchboard extension.
• If any commercial sensitivities under Section 43 apply, I respectfully request a clear explanation of the specific harm expected from disclosing aggregated annual spend or supplier names, especially where the contract has already been awarded.
• This request is made in line with the principles of the Procurement Act 2023, which reinforces the importance of transparency and public access to contract information, particularly around supplier identity, contract value, and duration.

Response

Please find attached a table at Annex A that provides the information you have requested.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500474771 - Information released - Annex A

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