Managed IT and Cyber Security Service Provider - Pre-Qualification (Stage 1 of 2)

What the buyer is asking for

North East Autism Society (NEAS), a North East England charity, is seeking to appoint a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to deliver managed IT and cyber security services across the organisation. This is Stage 1 of a two-stage process. Suppliers are invited to complete the attached short Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ). Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to Stage 2, an Invitation to Tender (ITT), which will allow a longer response period. Services required include: IT service desk; Microsoft 365 support and backup; cyber security monitoring; endpoint management; Azure support; backup and disaster recovery; vulnerability assessments; managed firewall support; and strategic IT consultancy. Scope: approximately 1300 users across 54 sites. Suppliers must have an operational office in the North East of England, current experience supporting charity sector clients, and current experience supporting organisations with more than 1,000 employees. Full pass/fail criteria are set out in the PQQ. Indicative timetable: PQQ deadline [30/10/2026/12pm]; shortlist notified [05/11/2026]; ITT issued [9/11/2026]; ITT deadline [09/12/2026/ 12pm]; contract award [08/01/2027]; contract start [1/04/2027]. Clarification questions must be received by [20/10/2026 12pm]. Completed PQQs should be returned to the email address in the contact details by the closing date and time. Additional information: North East Autism Society (NEAS), a North East England charity, is seeking to appoint a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to deliver managed IT and cyber security services across the organisation. This is Stage 1 of a two-stage process. Suppliers are invited to complete the attached short Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ). Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to Stage 2, an Invitation to Tender (ITT), which will allow a longer response period. Services required include: IT service desk; Microsoft 365 support and backup; cyber security monitoring; endpoint management; Azure support; backup and disaster recovery; vulnerability assessments; managed firewall support; and strategic IT consultancy. Scope: approximately 1300 users across 54 sites. Suppliers must have an operational office in the North East of England, current experience supporting charity sector clients, and current experience supporting organisations with more than 1,000 employees. Full pass/fail criteria are set out in the PQQ. Indicative timetable: PQQ deadline [30/10/2026/12pm]; shortlist notified [05/11/2026]; ITT issued [9/11/2026]; ITT deadline [09/12/2026/ 12pm]; contract award [08/01/2027]; contract start [1/04/2027]. Clarification questions must be received by [20/10/2026 12pm]. Completed PQQs should be returned to the email address in the contact details by the closing date and time.