2012 Olympics IT supplier sought

The government has kicked off the hunt for a supplier to provide IT systems to support an Olympic Games in London - should its bid for the 2012 games be successful.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is seeking expressions of interest from companies interested in the provision of IT and telecoms services for the organisations involved with planning and staging a London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

The services will be required only if London's bid to host the games is successful.

Suppliers interested in bidding have to contact the department by 8 July, by which time London should know whether any of the IT will be required because the International Olympic Committee will choose the host city on 6 July.

The DCMS said the likely requirements will include desk-based computing for around 250 users initially, with the potential for a user base of more than 2,000 over the life of the project.

Specific technologies required include standard word processing and project management software, WAN and LAN connectivity, telephony services, knowledge management systems and security.

The department said suppliers will also have to offer mobile working support for more than 40 per cent of the user base.