Digital Office and Scotland Excel Collaborate on a Framework for Security Operations Centre Services

The Digital Office for Scottish Local Government and Scotland Excel have been working to develop a framework for Security Operations Centre (SOC) services. This initiative aims to enhance the cyber security capabilities of councils across Scotland, providing them with a robust and cost-effective solution to protect their digital assets. 

While the project is still ongoing, we have reissued the Prior Information Notice to alert the market to this upcoming opportunity.  We would welcome notes of interest through Public Contracts Scotland from organisations who can deliver the requirements and provide councils with a robust and forward-looking service. 

Cyber security is a critical aspect of any organisation's digital transformation, ensuring that our data, systems, and services are safeguarded from malicious attacks and unauthorised access. The SOC framework project is designed to address the evolving threats and challenges in the digital world by offering 24x7x365 monitoring, analysis, and response services. 

David Ritchie, Chief Information Security Officer at the Digital Office, stated, "A SOC should form the cornerstone of round-the-clock monitoring that gives councils peace of mind. Should something happen day or night, there will be someone to alert and manage the situation." 

The SOC framework will enable councils to call off services from a single supplier, ensuring consistency and efficiency in their cyber security efforts. By leveraging the expertise of Scotland Excel, the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the local government sector, the project guarantees the best value and most effective solutions for councils. 

Martyn Wallace, Chief Digital Officer at the Digital Office, added, "With the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats today, it would be a challenge to develop this kind of service in-house, with round-the-clock monitoring and specially trained staff. Using the private sector to facilitate this specialist service is the best way to make these vital services available to councils whilst continuing to secure our assets." 

Julie Welsh, Chief Executive of Scotland Excel, said: “By leading on this collaborative procurement initiative for Security Operations Centre Services, Scotland Excel aims to deliver operational efficiencies for councils while strengthening their cybersecurity resilience. By working with our partners, we are streamlining the procurement process to reduce complexity and provide a comprehensive, value-driven solution for a Security Operations Centre. This Scotland Excel framework marks a significant step forward in enhancing cyber readiness and fostering innovation, aligning with Scotland’s National Digital Strategy. It will form part of our expert contract portfolio that is in place to support the local government sector and we look forward to progressing to the tender publication in coming months.”

The SOC provider will have a dedicated team of cyber security experts who will monitor, detect, and respond to cyber incidents across the organisation. This strategic and ambitious initiative will help transform organisations' cyber security capabilities, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle the ever-changing landscape of digital threats. 

If you would like to find out more about this initiative, please contact info@digitaloffice.scot.