FCO framework could provide driver for single Oracle ERP plan

Prism successor will cover move from non-Oracle platforms and may reinforce Oracle ERP position within Whitehall

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a pre-tender for a framework agreement which could provide the impetus for a single implementation of Oracle across Whitehall.

The pre-tender - for a replacement for the FCO's "Prism" contract with Capgemini - is for the provision of Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems including business intelligence and enterprise data warehouse services, plus related hosting, integration, service desk and management services.

The estimated cost of the tender is between £250m and £750m, which would indicate that the budget for the framework goes beyond simply the FCO's resourcing.

In the tender document, the FCO says that in supporting the Cabinet Office Shared Service strategy, it intends to create a framework for the provision of Oracle ERP development, delivery and support services aligned to the government ICT strategy for all central government departments and arm's length bodies and agencies.

Significantly, the scope will cover existing Oracle platforms in UK government departments and any supporting technologies and will include any move of a department from a non-Oracle to an Oracle platform.

A supplier day is due to be held at on 11th February at Intellect's offices in London.