Becta publish a recommended suppliers list!

[Dos_Box]

I know, I know, and my initial thoughts were 'Well, what is the point of this', as well, but here it is. The latest Becta recommended suppliers list:

 

About Becta - Becta launches ICT Services Framework - Becta

[mb2k01]

Has there been a final date of termination published for these guys yet?

I can't help wondering how much money could have been saved by not having their team research this list and generate it in to a publication - especially as it is one which most of use will arguably not value/use.

[glennda]

The framework runs until November 2014 providing education and skills customers with a quick and easier route to procure from approved, high quality, trusted suppliers in a fully EU-compliant manner.

 

The framework runs till then but becta will not!!

 

Also no mention of HP??

[localzuk]

Has there been a final date of termination published for these guys yet?

I can't help wondering how much money could have been saved by not having their team research this list and generate it in to a publication - especially as it is one which most of use will arguably not value/use.

 

Why would people not use it. A lot of schools and LAs follow what Becta say/said quite closely.

[mb2k01]

If it is useful to some then fine, but just because a lot did/do doesn't mean it should be globally accepted - which was often the tone of advice coming from Becta themselves, or via LAs misinterpreting the "guidance".

My point was it is a fairly pointless and potentially expensive exercise, given the fact that most LAs and schools already have preferred supplier lists + the fact that Becta are being wound down.

[Chuckster]

No mention of UK Insight as they've always come in so much cheaper than Misco and RM are very expensive. And isn't Capita meant to be a rip-off? Never heard anyone say a good thing about them.

[AngryTechnician]

Tne problem I have with this is that value for money isn't a big factor in making the list. There are one or two names on there that I have stopped using as suppliers after finding out I can get the same thing a lot cheaper elsewhere, with the same level of service.

 

Unfortunately schools without procurement expertise tend to use this list (rightly or wrongly) as a bible of 'best' suppliers and are therefore loathe to look elsewhere.

 

Also, as Chuckster has alluded to, they should be at least mentioning Buying Solutions (formerly Catalist) accredited suppliers such as Insight which provide discounts to the entire public sector.

Edited November 8, 2010 by AngryTechnician

[garyjepp]

No CCL. Pfft.