This framework is an education-focused route to market for outsourcing your managed ICT services.

Suppliers on the framework include a range of local and national managed service providers (MSPs) who have a breadth of knowledge, experience and skills. The MSPs are skilled in utilising systems, communication, flexibility and innovation in order to provide a high-quality outsourced ICT service. The service will be carefully managed through a close provider/client relationship.

You can also use the independent consultancy framework lot to gain an objective recommendation on ICT service systems, processes and policies. Through the appointment of a consultant, your institution may gain efficiencies and cost savings when outsourcing a managed ICT service.

The framework scope includes but is not limited to:

• Remote and on-site support service provision for proactive and reactive support, including: monitoring, incident managing, testing, fault fixing, backup and disaster recovery, data protection, patch management
• IT asset and configuration management, release management
• Supporting staff with new IT developments, IT procurement, service integration and management, set up and installation of IT equipment where there is an on-site requirement, advice
• Project management and development of IT strategies and refreshment
• Assessment of security loopholes, obsolete assets, inefficiencies
• Making recommendations such as suggesting appropriate hardware, software, systems, service levels, maintenance, servicing
• Consultancy design services where a solution is yet to be defined. This includes the appointment of an independent consultant who will offer objective recommendations in a final report as a result of fact-finding, data analysis, information system requirements and defining project objectives
• Suppliers on the framework can provide support to varying extents based on your institution’s requirements and may cover the following IT areas: hardware, networks and infrastructure, telecommunications, software services

Key Facts

Start date

7th June 2021

End date

6th June 2024

Optional extension

6th June 2025

Key Benefits of this Framework

1. Reduction in procurement timescales and costs
2. Savings through economies of scale
3. The ability to award to an independent consultant, ensuring any recommendations are objective and based on your institution’s best interests
4. The opportunity to audit your current provision to see a clear picture of the institution’s current status
5. Long term relationships and greater opportunity to deliver added value and innovation
6. Opportunities to deliver social value and improved community impacts
7. Opportunities for early supplier involvement to manage risk and improve outcomes
8. Compliant with the UK Public Contracts Regulations
9. Efficiency and ease of use with mini-competition and a mini-competition calculator call-off methods
10. Detailed and easy to use guides, support and templates

How can I use this Framework

Please read the framework user guide and engage with suppliers early on in the process. Please contact suppliers before sending tender documentation out to gain insight into appropriate timescales for the whole process, a better understanding of the market/new technologies and to assist with the creation your institution’s vision.

There are two call-off options for this framework:

1. Mini-competition – engage with the suppliers on the relevant framework lot to gain a detailed understanding of timescales and scope before using one of the two mini-competition templates. Ensure you allow suppliers a minimum of 3 weeks to respond to your request to get the most from this framework
2. Mini-competition via desktop calculator – if you already have a thorough understanding of your outsourced ICT needs or where time is of the essence you may choose to use the desktop calculator. All capable suppliers must be invited to bid for the opportunity. The process is quicker due to price being the sole evaluation criteria

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.

Go to Tenet Services

Get a Quote

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.

Use This Framework

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Contract Manager

The contracting authority for this framework is Crescent Purchasing Consortium.