The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has awarded the contracts for the new iteration of its Technology Products and Associated Services procurement framework for the public sector.
It said 172 suppliers are included under eight lots and has highlighted the inclusion of a new lot for procuring and managing IT in a more sustainable way.
The framework is scheduled to go live on 31 October to replace the first version, which is due to expire in December, and to run with for an initial term of 30 months with an option to extend for another 18.
It consolidates three frameworks, the other two being Education Technology and Technology Online Purchasing Content.
CCS said this means that for the first time public sector organisations can procure their devices and commercial off-the-shelf software in one place.
Enhanced scope
It said the scope of the framework has been enhanced to incorporate new and future technologies, alongside elements such as sustainability options, sector specific lots for health and education and standalone services.
This includes a stronger focus on sustainability, with a dedicated lot for recycling, data wiping and secure disposal, and suppliers focused on extending product lifecycles.
New buying options have also been introduced, with guidance on leasing, utility and as-a-service models.
The lots cover: hardware and software; hardware; software; information assured technology; health and social care technology; education technology; sustainability and circular IT; and the technology catalogue.
Reducing environmental impact
Phlip Orumwense, commercial director and chief technology procurement officer at CCS, said: “This agreement offers public sector customers a new sustainable solution to their IT requirements through refurbished hardware combined with additional services. Moving towards circular IT and reducing the environmental impact plays a crucial role in the path towards carbon net zero.
“The new agreement also aims to build on the progress made by CCS on making it easier for small and medium sized enterprises to become suppliers, levelling the playing field and supporting the Government’s agenda.”
