ICT goods and services includes products such as;

  • software
  • hardware
  • broadband
  • phone lines
  • hire of ICT equipment
  • maintenance of ICT used for teaching
  • ICT consultancy services.

Where can schools buy these?

Department for Education ICT frameworks

The links on the left provide further detailed information on:

  • ICT services framework – infrastructure and mobile connectivity services, and provision of integrated ICT services.
  • Consultancy services framework – ICT consultancy services in educational use of ICT, technical implementation of ICT and ICT procurement.
  • Microsoft licensing for schools – how to access savings when purchasing Microsoft software.
  • Information management (IM) and learning services (LS) framework.
    IM includes management of school information, such as tracking pupil absence or holding assessment results.
    LS covers online services that enable teaching and learning, such as curriculum content and lesson planning.

Pro5 ICT related contracts

Links to the relevant websites are available associated resources on this page:

  • E-solutions - supply a variety of web-based, hosted and secure E-Solutions, eg E -Tendering, E-Contract Management, E-Document Exchange, E-Evaluation, E-Auctions or whole E-Solutions.
  • Consultancy services - ICT consultancy services.
  • IT and office machines - computer software, IT consumable supplies, telecommunications equipment and telephone systems, plus other areas. 

Government procurement service (GPS) frameworks

Links to the relevant website is available associated resources on this page:

  •  GPS ICT frameworks – includes; Information Management Systems, telecom networks, software application solutions, software for educational institutions, plus other services and products.

Useful tips:

  • Planning for ICT spend - see the self-review framework available in the associated resources on this page.
  • Develop an ICT vision and strategy - how technology is used to support teaching, learning and management.
  • Decide whether to buy or lease ICT hardware - these two options can involve very different costs.
  • Decide whether to buy equipment in conjunction with an installation and testing service, or even as a whole managed service.
  • Identify whether the supplier is able to provide cost effective maintenance and servicing.
  • If buying more than just equipment set up a service level agreement, stating what is expected from the supplier - include targets such as, response times and what to do if equipment is proving unreliable or faulty.
  • If no framework contract is available - collaborate with other regional schools, the local authority or another organisation, to create an interesting business proposition for suppliers. The increased volume of business will help you to negotiate better terms and prices.