A limited amount of work is required for the UHI Regional Network Operator (RNO) to move from the current MAP/PoP service levels to those given in the new RPAN contract. Moving from the old arrangement to the new will be completed by the end of September 2002 (the first anniversary of the commencement date). UHI recognises that UKERNA is concerned to ensure continuity of service throughout the transition period.

The purpose of this Transition Plan is to identify all tasks that are required in the move and to allocate sufficient resource to ensure UHI’s obligations are met and a smooth transition delivered. We understand the Transition Plan will be monitored by UKERNA and funding released at agreed milestones

As specified in clause 3 of the RPAN agreement, this Transition Plan outlines:

(i) The actions of UHI and those required of UKERNA in order that UHI is able to carry out the obligations of the contract;

(ii) The time plan for the performance of these actions; and

(iii) The staff and other resources that will be deployed in the implementation of the services

The framework used for this transition plan is that suggested by Tim Kidd of UKERNA and the UK MANs group. Reference is also made to a number of other documents, primarily the RPAN contract and the “UHI Upgrade Plan”. This last document is available from the UHI web site at http://www.uhi.net.uk/RPAN_Transition/UHI_Transition_Plan.htm.

2 Staffing

How will the RNO deploy staff effort to carry out its obligations in the contract? The timing for this will affect many aspects of the contract?

UHI is a network-dependant organisation and already has a dedicated Network Operations Service (NOS) unit with five staff currently based at Perth College, and a Helpdesk run as part of the ‘Data Warehouse’ (computer room / systems group) at Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Oban.

Extended hours cover. UHI integrated ICT support arrangements are aligned with college requirements and so cover real hours of opening of all Nominated Connections.

Suitable training will be carried out as and when necessary.

UHI is in the process of considering the best allocation of the combined staff effort of the UHI Partners and of UHI itself. This will lead to further alignment of the requirements of FE and HE activities within the partnership.

Action required	None
By whom
By when
Status	Ongoing

3 Assistance in investigation of illegal activity

How will the RNO provide assistance if UKERNA requests it in response to a suspected illegal, fraudulent or criminal activity? Who within the RNO can give authority for such activity?

The Network Operations Manager acts as CERT contact for UHI. He will accept requests and provide assistance to UKERNA or any authority investigating illegal, fraudulent or criminal activity. He will liase with CERT contacts at each institution within the region and assist as appropriate and necessary.

Authority for investigation of suspected illegal, fraudulent or Criminal activity can be given by the Head of Learning and Information Services, Alun.Hughes@eo.uhi.ac.uk.

In the case of such activity, UHI will contact JANET-CERT, cert@ja.net.

Authority for investigation of suspected illegal, fraudulent or Criminal activity can be given by the UKERNA CERT Manager.

Action required	None
By whom
By when
Status	Ongoing

4 Payments

What processes are required to ensure that the invoice is raised by the RNO?

Transition funding allocations are specified in section 4 of the paper “Payments to Regional Networks under the RPAN and RDN Contract Funding Models”. UHI will notify UKERNA on completion of each action detailed in this transition plan. It is proposed that, providing UHI is meeting the timescales specified in the plan, UHI will raise quarterly invoices in advance. UKERNA will pay against those invoices within 30 days of receipt of invoice.

For transition payments, UHI will notify UKERNA on completion of each action detailed in this plan, and will invoice against each item on completion.

Payments for the provision of services are specified in Schedule 2 of the RPAN agreement. This includes annual payments for staffing, maintenance/replacement of switching equipment and telecommunication links together with separate payments for the addition, removal and modification of Nominated Connections. As described in section 20 of this transition plan, UHI will establish financial and administrative procedures and ensure that accounting and billing systems are appropriately operated to identify outstanding amounts, invoice accordingly and follow-up on late payments.

Payment for provision of services specified in Section 2 of the RPAN contract will be against quarterly invoices of one quarter of the annual total, raised by UHI Executive Office finance staff under the direction of the Network Development Manager.

Action required	Instruct finance staff to issue invoices
By whom	Jem Taylor
By when	Against milestones and quarterly
Status	As per contract and transition plan

5 Telcos

Ensure that the EC rules are applied for procurement of telecommunication equipment and services and that the RNO attempts to seek an assignment clause according to sub-clause 9.1 of the RPAN agreement.

UHI applies EC and Public Procurement rules for all procurements valued above the trigger level.

UHI will attempt to include an appropriate assignment clause in any future procurement; the existing contract under which Nominated connections are provided does not have such a clause.

Action required	None
By whom
By when
Status	Ongoing