GovWire

Many aspects of information and communication technology (ICT) are interlinked so its important not to buy ICT equipment, like hardware, software, broadband, in isolation.

What you buy should always be aligned with your schools ICT needs.

You should only buy hardware which will improve teaching and learning in your school. You can assess your needs by talking to:

• pupils, parents, staff, governors and trustees
• school hubs
• public sector buying organisations (PSBO)
• other schools in your local area

Avoid last-minute purchases

Buying last minute means what you buy could be:

• more expensive
• unsuitable for what your school needs
• incompatible with your current hardware
• quickly obsolete

Repurposing

Before you buy new hardware, you may want to consider refurbishing expensive items that you already have.

You do not always need the latest or most expensive equipment. You may get better value-for-money and achieve the same outcomes if you use what you already have.

Compatibility with your existing infrastructure

Before you buy new hardware, make sure its compatible with your current IT infrastructure. It may be more expensive to update hardware later.

You should confirm whether your:

• hardware needs to be installed or configured

• software needs to be installed on the hardware before use

The technology you choose must:

• meet your schools ICT needs
• integrate with existing teaching, learning and administration systems

You have 2 options:

• find and use a framework
• run your own procurement

Use a framework

Buying from a framework can be quicker and easier than getting your own bids or quotes because the agreements:

• have already been through a full competitive tender process
• have been quality checked
• are checked to make sure they comply with the law
• may have draft specifications and help available

Run your own procurement

You can run your own procurement for:

• lower-value tenders
• high-value and EU tenders

Lower-value tenders

This is where you meet your IT needs by:

• researching the relevant market
• getting at least 3 quotes from suppliers

High-value and EU tenders

This is where you make compliant purchases by:

• advertising your contract
• running your own competitive tender process between suppliers

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