LGA Procurement Update
Operational realities
From an operational perspective, it’s business as usual, in fact we have never been busier!

The LGA Procurement team are available during normal office hours and are all now working from home. We are well equipped with the latest technology and business systems to remain connected with each other, with councils and suppliers. 
 
We also remain in contact with our 400+ suppliers who remain ready to do their best to assist the sector. 
Online training available now
We know the sector is benefiting from our refreshed and targeted professional training. This sector development program will continue during COVID-19.

Our training sessions are now available online and are an ideal activity for staff working from home.  
 
Our training curriculum can be found  here . 

Contact Keith Barber , our Procurement Specialist and Trainer, to discuss online training needs.
Transitioning your workforce in this environment 
TOP TIP: Whichever products you do use - make sure to visit the Vendor’s website to locate information to assist installing products securely and training.
We understand that it is a massive transition to move a workforce to home and online. This is a new challenge for local government – but one our team and suppliers are ready to help you with.  
 
Our ICT strategic partner,  Data #3,  has compiled some information that can help you in the first instance. 

Working from Home (WFH)
There are numerous ways you can help prepare and secure your council staff members to WFH. 
IT equipment is low on stock and deployment resources are heavily booked out and in high demand. 

There are a number of products and solutions available through the Vendor Panel – have a discussion with the suppliers, such as  Data#3 . The sooner you engage, the sooner they can develop a plan to assist your specific needs. 
Collaboration tools

( G ood news -  If you have Office 365, you already own Microsoft Teams!)
Microsoft Teams  offers:
  • Chat 
  • Video 
  • Voice Calls 
  • Screen sharing 
  • Document co-authoring  
  • Conferences 

Cisco Webex offers:
  • Video Calls 
  • Voice Calls 
  • Screen sharing  
  • Conferences 
If you're a part of the VMware ELA and have Horizon or WorkSpace ONE, you may already be able to deploy more users.
Ask Data#3 or VMware for your specific entitlements under that ELA and how much more you can deploy.

There are also other virtualisation vendors solutions available: Citrix XenApp or XenDesk and Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services (RDS). 
Virtualised Environment

If you aren't already virtualised, you may need help from a deployment partner.
Devices and Equipment

Currently, IT equipment is in high demand... and so is a home office with a view like this!
If you don't currently have a virtualised environment (VDI or Thin Clients), you could look to obtain Notebooks, Tablets, Laptops or All in One machines - however there are in very high demand.

The same is the situation for headsets and microphones - so ensure to check stock levels when you obtain quotes AND when you place orders.
Software as a Service, is a cloud-based service where instead of downloading software your desktop PC or council network to run and update, you instead access an application via an internet browser.
SaaS
(Software as a Service)

If SaaS option is available, ensure you think through the security and control of your information and data. 
Here’s a few links to Data#3 COVID-19 responses so far: 
LinkedIn