ICT Framework
Designed for schools, but available to all public sector bodies, our FTS compliant ICT framework enables schools, academy trusts, and other institutions to procure a wide range of ICT and Technology services easily, quickly and at no cost to the customer, including:
Managed services – hardware – servers & storage – networking devices and services – software – audio visual – cloud software and migration services – managed print services – telephone devices and systems – broadband and WAN services.
A full list of our framework lots is available here
There are template documents, processes, and guidelines for all lots and scenarios to make it easy for you to use our framework, saving you time and money. We will guide you through each stage of the process and we’re there to offer help and guidance if you have any procurement or technical questions or need any additional support.
Our 30 years in the education sector has been spent supporting schools and academy trusts with their procurement needs and supporting suppliers to meet those needs.
A full breakdown of the further competition process is available here
All our contracts have been drafted by public sector procurement specialists specifically for this framework.
Call us now to find out more about our framework.
Our ICT framework is…
- Zis fully compliant with UK Government regulations
- Zis easy to use with templates, procedures and guidance
- Zis a one-stop shop for all your ICT needs
- Zis free for customers to use
- Zis designed for schools and multi-academy trusts
- Zincludes Social Value and Net Zero
- Zprovides nation-wide coverage
- Zhas a large supplier base
The list of suppliers is available here
For more information or to use our ICT framework
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the framework?
The ICT framework has been created for the education sector, but any public sector body can use the framework. The full list is available here
When should I use the framework?
You can use the framework to procure any ICT goods or services where you would normally use an FTS procurement (like when your procurement is likely to exceed the threshold set by the government).
There is no minimum spend on this framework. Even if the threshold won’t be reached, customers can use the framework for peace of mind as the suppliers have been vetted and have already gone through the procurement process.
How long will it take for my establishment to go through the framework?
This varies depending on the lot/sub-lots and your requirements. For hardware delivery it could only take a few weeks, but a complex managed service procurement for a large multi-academy trust could take up to 6 months.
Please click on the lots for more specific information.
What level of expertise does my establishment need to use the framework?
You don’t need any expertise or prior knowledge to use the framework. We will work with you to understand how much assistance you need and help you through each step of the process. If you are experienced, technically proficient and/or know exactly what you want, then you can use our templated further competition process directly to procure.
How much does it cost to use the framework?
The framework is free for customers to use if they utilise the easy-to-use templates and processes.
If you need help to define or refine your requirements, we can discuss your individual requirements with you and help you to work out what is affordable. As a CIC we are able to offer much of our consultancy services at no cost to you.
How can the framework be free?
Our framework management charges are as follows:
Lots 1 & 2: Between 1.5% – 3% (depending on the complexity of the requirements and the size of the establishment)
Lots 3 – 9: 1%
Suppliers receive comprehensive tender documents that are all in the same format, saving them time and money when bidding.
What suppliers are on the framework?
Please click on the lots to see the suppliers for each lot.
What can I do if I can't complete the templates?
It depends on the reason why. If you need help with the actual templates or the process, email us on [email protected] and we will gladly help. If you need some technical expertise with the gathering of your requirements let us know. We may be able to help you or we could recommend some IT Consultants that may be able to help.
How do I procure using multiple lots?
It may be preferable for you to run separate procurements for each of the lots or to combine lots. Give us a call or drop us an email and we will discuss the best way for you to proceed, reducing as much of the paperwork and repetition as possible.
Does this framework have direct award?
No. We have purposefully chosen not to have direct award for this framework, and to use the further competitions only. There are templates and processes for every lot and every phase to help you with your further competition.
If my procurement will be under the threshold, should I still use the framework?
You can use the framework for products and services that cost any amount, but requirement will cost less than the procurement threshold specified by the government, we can provide you with quotes from our framework suppliers without running a further competition, which is quicker and gives you peace of mind knowing that the suppliers have been fully vetted during the framework procurement.
For more information about our ICT framework