[DfE Announcement 6/1/17] New deal to help schools save cash on computer equipment

[elsiegee40]

News story - New deal to help schools save cash on computer equipment | GOV.UK

 

DfE offers schools the chance to save on tablets, laptops and desktop devices.

 

Schools considering buying new tablets, laptops or desktop devices this year could save thousands of pounds by taking advantage of a new deal developed by the DfE and Crown Commercial Services (CCS).

 

To qualify, schools need to submit their requirements for new devices and send it to CCS at [email protected] by 10 February 2017. A webinar explains the process in more detail.

 

CCS will then work with suppliers to get the best price and notify schools after the contract is awarded on 28 March 2017. Schools can then place their orders and arrange payment at the agreed price.

 

This is the first in an ongoing programme of CCS deals to help schools save money and make the best use of their resources.

 

Future procurements are scheduled for:

- late April to early May (to allow for summer delivery of devices)

- autumn 2017

- spring 2018

 

More procurement dates will be announced later.

 

Read more about ordering hardware for schools.

[FN-GM]

They have done similar deals in the past. However I have always found I can source cheaper myself.

[DJ-1701]

However I have always found I can source cheaper myself.

I agree, I've sourced some laptops very recently with double the RAM of one of the indicative pricing and that I know has a TPM chip, but certainly worth keeping an eye on especially with SSD prices rumoured to go up.

 

Thanks @elsiegee40

Edited January 8, 2017 by DJ-1701

[localzuk]

The only issue I have with schemes like this is the lack of ability to ensure quality. I am *very* fussy about build quality for laptops - I stopped buying HP over their decision to have the HDD plug in via a loose cable rather than a fixed slot.

 

With big bulk buys like this, how can we guarantee best value if we don't really have the ability to check things like that?

 

That said, its a good idea for smaller schools, that's for sure!

[BKGarry]

The only thing I find weird is that there is no mention of warranties at all!

 

So are they all standard 1 year and is there no option to up to 3 years, as I always buy equipment with a 3 year warranty, if I expect a laptop to last 3 years I don't want to be buying parts and spares later on

[pcstru]

The huge red flag for me is : "Please be aware that by returning the completed customer requirement form you are committing your organisation to purchasing the devices at the end of the process."

 

So I submit my requirements, next thing I know is they have awarded contracts which are not good value but I submitted requirements so I'm stuck with buying. What am I missing?

[mikeprice]

Hmm

 

there is no way I am submitting a requirement form which commits us to buy stuff when I cannot be sure of the details of the contract - just how much is open to them to negotiate??

 

must keep an eye on this!

[BKGarry]

As a person who went through the BSF baseline process with devices, I am cautious of things like this. I also don't like that you basically select a machine rather then a specification for a tender for multiple manufacturers etc.

 

I will keep an eye on it, but I am unsure of it

[laser402]

All hardware will come with a 3 year warranty apparently

 

This procurement will ensure that all devices purchased will have a 3 year warranty, with next day repair should there be any fault with the unit.

 

But I agree that the specs are far too restrictive, especially if you are committed to buy at a random price point

Edited January 16, 2017 by laser402