Technology Deals for Schools (Hardware & Software)

Description

Preliminary Market Engagement is being undertaken to understand how suppliers can offer technology hardware and software deals, discounts and value added propositions that could be made easily accessible to schools. The Department for Education is seeking to identify new and market leading supplier offers that deliver clear value for money and can be promoted and signposted to schools through DfE platforms, including the Find a Buying Solution service. This is intended to help schools quickly and easily access competitive, trusted deals, reducing cost and complexity in their purchasing. This activity also forms part of a longer term strategy to explore how the Department can work more closely with suppliers to improve access to high quality, cost effective technology and digital solutions at scale, and to unlock efficiencies and innovation across the education system. While this engagement is focused on identifying and developing strong supplier offers for potential promotion, the Department is also considering the potential for future contractual arrangements directly with suppliers to further strengthen access to value for money deals for schools. The specific contracting model has not yet been determined and will be informed through ongoing and future market engagement activity. As part of this engagement, the Department is seeking to understand the range and quality of offers available in the market, how they are structured, and how they can be presented in a way that is simple, transparent and beneficial to schools. Suppliers are encouraged to bring forward new and enhanced proposals and demonstrate how their offers can meaningfully support schools and the wider education sector, including improving access to technology and software, reducing cost pressures, and simplifying purchasing processes. Strong submissions will clearly articulate how they: - Deliver measurable cost savings compared to existing routes. - Provide added value beyond price, such as training, support or sustainability initiatives. - Enable better access to reliable, high quality technology and software solutions for pupils and staff. The Department is keen to engage with suppliers who demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs and challenges of the education sector, and who can design offers that make it easier, more efficient and more cost effective for schools to access technology and software at scale. The Department is particularly interested in innovative approaches that demonstrate how suppliers can unlock efficiencies at scale and deliver sustained value across the school system, rather than one off or short term offers. This is not a procurement or contracting exercise. The Department will not enter into contracts with suppliers as a result of this activity. Participation does not guarantee that any offer will be promoted, and any decisions to feature or signpost deals will be made on a fair and transparent basis.

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