This ICT Networking and Storage Solutions framework agreement has been structured for ease of purchasing a wide range of network infrastructure, network services, installation services and IT storage solutions for schools, colleges, academies/academy trusts and universities.
Designed for the education sector, this framework offers a fully compliant route to market with access to 17 suppliers across 3 easily categorised lots:
Lot 1 – On Premise Solutions
Lot 2 – Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Solutions
Lot 3 – Consultancy Services
Lot 1 – On Premise Solutions
Lot 1 provides for IT infrastructure and network infrastructure solutions that are entirely delivered on-premise and includes but is not limited to the following technologies:
Lot 2 – Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Solutions
Lot 2 provides for IT infrastructure solutions that are either entirely cloud based or are a hybrid cloud storage solution, comprising both on-premise and cloud components. Solutions may include but are not limited to the following technologies:
Lot 3 – Consultancy Services
Lot 3 is specifically for ICT consultancy and design services where a solution is yet to be defined. The purpose of the consultancy services lot is to scope and determine a solution to members/contracting authorities’ requirements which may fit into either of Lot 1 or Lot 2.
This may also include strategic planning, financial viability and technology road maps.
This may lead to a separate exercise under lots 1 or 2.
The Department for Education (DfE) recommend this framework to Schools and Academies.
The recommended route to market to gain best value for money is via a further competition, however a direct award option is available. Please see the User Guide for further details on how to use this framework.
If you require support in running a further competition via this framework, Tenet Services can help. Tenet offer a nationwide service specialising in assisting education establishments to complete further competitions.
Tenet are part of the Crescent Purchasing Group of Companies and operate on a not-for-profit basis.
The CPC Quote Tool is free to use for all our members and offers quick, compliant access to all suppliers on our frameworks for purchases that fall below £213,477.
"The Quote Tool was easy to use and time saving, resulting in a straightforward process where we just had to put the details in once and could then use the reputable suppliers already recommended."
Deborah Anderson-Dixon, Finance Manager at Sir William Romney's School
For purchases that exceed £213,477, the CPC Sourcing Cloud is available that complies with the regulations to allow electronic tender returns whilst still being free to use for our members. Find out more about CPC Sourcing Cloud.
Sign in to your user account to get a quote.
Don't have a user account? If your institution is already a member, you can create your own user account.
You can buy through our frameworks if your institution is a CPC member. It’s free to join if you are from a school, academy, multi-academy trust, college, university or you offer educational services.
CPC is owned by the education sector and our 83 frameworks are designed to save you money whilst being safe, easy to use and compliant. Your CPC membership also provides:
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The following documents are associated with this framework. Some are required for successful use of the framework and are clearly marked.
File | Details | Essential | |
---|---|---|---|
Framework user Guide | This is required reading if you are considering using this framework. It tells you everything you need to know about the panel of providers, eligibility, running the mini-competition process, and evaluating bids. | Yes | Download |
Mini Competition Checklist | It is recommended that members utilise this checklist when undertaking a mini-competition process to maximise the likelihood of obtaining a satisfactory quantity and quality of bid responses from suppliers | Yes | Download |
Framework Introduction Video for Members | Download | ||
Pre-tender supplier engagement letter | The aim of this template letter is to let suppliers know further in advance of potential requirements and allow for market engagement to encourage a greater number of suppliers returns for your requirement. | Download |
CPC’s new ICT Networking and Storage Solutions framework launched on the 1st May 2021 and offers a new and improved lot structure making it easier to purchase more products and services in one place.