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Tips for procuring ICT using CPC and its frameworks

Published

By Ashley Cox

Concerned about Microsoft ending support for Windows 10? Looking to refresh your ICT provision, before the launch of Windows 12? CPC has four DfE-approved ICT frameworks to help you compute and get those ICT purchases right.

With ICT an ever-evolving category, education sector stakeholders responsible for ICT buying might need extra help to acquire appropriate hardware, software and adjacent services for their associated school or academy - and particularly so if a long time has passed since their last ICT procurement.

As institutions race to keep pace with ICT’s rapid development, many may struggle to know where to start, thus a purchasing framework can be a welcome ally; connecting you to a full range of vetted suppliers, approved for their ability to deliver within the UK education sector.

Designed to support you, four frameworks promoted by CPC have earned the DfE’s seal of approval for use by schools and academies and we’ll look at these shortly.

But first, what can these institutions expect from this reimagined version of world’s most popular ICT operating system?

And what procurement tips are there for those looking to add to their ICT provision?

Opening up new Windows 

Microsoft recently confirmed that support for the Windows 10 system will conclude in October 2025, along with that for the earlier Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 models.

With Microsoft recommending an upgrade to Windows 11, there has somewhat inevitably been discourse about the arrival of a Windows 12, with the current Windows 11 system several years now into its lifespan.

While sources at Microsoft remain somewhat tight-lipped, it is predicted any Windows 12 will debut in 2025, replacing the existing Windows 11 format (which launched in 2021) on many ICT systems.

The synonymous nature of Windows and its programs suggests education institutions may benefit from a day-one buy-in, especially should its system amendments prove substantial.

Ensuring your ICT hardware can run Windows 12 effectively will allow your pupils to benefit from the full extent of updates and innovations on offer.

Amidst speculation of enhanced AI integration through new Copilot additions, an increase in RAM requirements from Windows 11’s current 4GB has been rumoured, with the expectation of upgrades to run Windows 12 on older or ailing equipment a logical conclusion for institutions to address.

As the tech world awaits more details, this expected fresh lick of digital paint could provide a timely motivator to improve or overhaul your school or academy’s ICT, with CPC able to offer the following tips for buying into new and incoming technology.

Get ahead of the ICT crowd

If your ICT equipment or related contracts are expiring in the next year, why not get the ball rolling?

Institutions may evaluate future procurements during holidays, so a jumpstart weeks earlier could prove all the difference to getting yourself to the front of that purchasing queue.

If your ICT needs are complex or high value, we advise sharp commencement once needs are established, supporting smoother transitions to new provisions in time for Windows 12.

How can I start the process? 

Establishing pre-market engagement can be an appropriate way for schools and academies to dip their toe in the water, supporting the forming of clear specifications suppliers can use.

One to two weeks of such engagement should be sufficient, if organised and executed well.

High-volume contracts are, understandably, likely to attract more competitive bids and while many ICT solutions might be shorter-term in nature, those looking to purchase equipment in bulk should be able to use that to their longer-term advantage.

How can CPC frameworks support? 

Of the multiple different CPC frameworks approved by the DfE, our agreements recommended to schools and academies have spanned the broad realm of ICT, affirming CPC as a trusted, capable partner for the procurement of ICT goods/services.

In one example of how CPC frameworks can help, Gloucestershire’ SAND Academies Trust made use of CPC’s Multifunctional Devices and Digital Transformation Solutions purchasing agreement, leasing MFDs with a managed print solution, which led to some £16,000 of funds saved across a three-year span (not to mention a further £3,000 in additional click charges).

Facilitating purchases around the UK, CPC’ regulation-compliant frameworks may stimulate various savings, helping stretch the budgets of schools and academies further, while aiming to reduce the overall cost of their investment in ICT provision.

From Software Licenses and Associated Services for Academies and Schools to ICT Networking and Storage Solutions, CPC’s DfE-approved frameworks have been professionally evaluated for quality and usefulness, with the Outsourced ICT agreement another beneficial resource, bringing the facility to offload an institution’s managed ICT services to an authorised third party.

“CPC frameworks offer a comprehensive user guide and template documentation and they also have access to our helpdesk and a Contract Manager for each agreement”, noted CPC Contract Manager and ICT purchasing framework specialist Jane Edwards, who can serve as a first point of call for institutions seeking to explore CPC’s DfE framework catalogue.

The access to specialist Contract Managers who are aware of trends in their fields is one of the added benefits of engaging a CPC framework to fulfil your procurement requirements.

What other resources are available?

Those in search of additional guidance may wish to consult ‘Get Help Buying for Schools’, the free government service that can help institutions navigate their procurement process, empowering them to buy with compliance, as well as saving time and targeting new value.

For further information on CPC and its compliant purchasing frameworks, feel free to peruse the website, where additional resources can help pave the way to successful ICT purchasing outcomes.

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