UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

HEART Academies Trust is establishing a multi lotted Framework Agreement to support the recruitment of temporary, permanent, and fixed-term teaching and non-teaching staff across educational settings in the UK. This includes but is not limited to schools, colleges, nurseries, pupil referral units, and children's centres. The Framework is designed to provide participating Contracting Authorities with a fair, transparent, and cost-effective solution for engaging supply staff. The Contracting Authority intends to operate the Framework for a maximum duration of eight (8) years, with the intention to re-open the Framework on an annual basis to allow for the inclusion of new suppliers and ensure continued value and compliance. A Re-Opening Notice will be published detailing the scope of services, eligibility criteria, submission deadlines and evaluation methodology.- The following types of Suppliers can apply/re-apply o New suppliers not previously included o Previously unsuccessful suppliers o Existing suppliers seeking to expand or revise their offering Page 2 to 14 Suppliers meeting the criteria will be added to the Framework and become eligible for selection in Direct Awards or Mini Competitions. Whilst all lots include the option for the Customer to access permanent recruitment, the expectation is that this will be minimal therefore this Tender is primarily focused on supply teachers, education support staff and other temporary staffing services.

2. Background 2.1 HEART Academies Trust 2.1.1. This Invitation to Tender (ITT) is being issued by HEART Academies Trust (HEART) using the Open Procedure, under the Procurement Act 2023 to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of Multifunctional Devices, as described in Appendix A (Specification), commencing 30th 19thApril May 2025 for a four-year period with a final Framework end date of 29th 18th AprilMay 2029. 2.1.2. HEART Academies Trust is a non-profit making charitable company based in Bedford. It was established to support local schools build upon existing strengths to improve and maintain high educational standards and encourage continuity of education within the local community. More information is provided here: https://www.heartacademiestrust.co.uk/ 2.1.3. The core aim of HEART is to create a family of academies who are at the heart of their community delivering great education and improving life chances for all; we value the dreams and aspirations of everyone in our community. Information on our values can be found using the following link: https://www.heartacademiestrust.co.uk/who-we-are/18.html 2.1.4. The overwhelming belief is that every child can be successful, both personally and academically, with early and effective help from staff that know and value them as an individual. HEART have high expectations of all members of our schools; children, young people and professionals alike are challenged and supported to achieve their very best. 2.1.5. Adopting a 'stronger together' approach and a commitment to positive collaboration enables each academy within HEART to celebrate what they already do well whilst providing opportunities to ensure continued development and improvement across all academies within the Trust. 2.1.6. HEART are focused on driving sustainable practices and making them available to likeminded Customers. HEART believes sustainable procurement takes a wide view and incorporates the net benefits for both HEART and the wider world. It considers the impact of environmental, economic and social factors along with price and quality for all activity. 2.2 Value Match Services Limited 2.2.1. The Framework Agreement is delivered by Value Match Services Limited (Value Match), who manage all procurement processes, financial management, marketing and communication, Customers, Suppliers, Call-Off Contracts and Dynamic Purchasing Systems activity on behalf of HEART and their Public Sector customer base. 2.2.2. The ITT process and other Framework services will be carried out through Value Match on behalf of the Customer. 2.2.3. Value Match is an organisation delivering purpose led procurement solutions with integrity across the public and private sector. 2.2.4. Value Match specialises in procurement services delivering efficiency, value and improved outcomes by optimising their strategic procurement, category management, supply chain, and risk management knowledge. 2.2.5. The comprehensive provision of services by Value Match are divided into 5 streams:  Procurement Services: Value Match provides procurement services, consultancy and implementation support specialising in strategic procurement, category management, supply chain management, and risk management. The aim is to radically transform the customer's procurement capability and continually drive efficiency to enhance the positive impact the customer receives.  Bid Management: Value Match provides a fully managed, flexible solution from bid strategy development to implementation of a fully outsourced bid submission process. Value Match ensure customers understand the capability needed to successfully meet policy and legal obligations, whilst improving the application of economic, social, and environmental considerations in bids.  Sustainability, Diversity & Social Impact: Value Match's Social Impact & Improvement model helps all organisations benchmark their maturity against best practice as well as providing assurance with legal, policy and regulatory requirements. Value Match baselines, measures, and verifies organisations sustainability and social impact and build out a flexible solution to enable our clients to deliver against their requirements.  Resourcing: Value Match provides a fully managed specialist resourcing solution with the ability to provide interim or permanent resources in the areas of procurement, commercial matters, and bid management.  Training: Value Match provides bespoke classroom based, online or one-to-one training courses covering all key aspects relating to procurement, commercial matters and bid management. 2.2.6. These services are managed and delivered in accordance with the 4 core values of the organisation:  Value People: We value People for their uniqueness, capability, capacity for change and for what they do.  Value Relationships: We value Relationships that are built on integrity, mutual support, trust and a sense of purpose.  Sustainable Prosperity: We believe in creating sustainable prosperity through commercial interventions that support responsible and inclusive growth for both individuals and organisations.  Value the Environment: We believe in enhancing our Environment through the way we operate, championing environmental best practices and delivery through our service lines. 2.2.7. Further information regarding Value Match can be found on the website: https://www.value-match.co.uk/ 2.3 Education Sector 2.3.1. Value Match primarily focuses on supporting the Education Sector and is currently in contract with 23 school trusts, comprising a total of around 400 schools. 2.3.2. The Education Sector is a key focus area with the following background:  Size: There are 32,172 schools in the United Kingdom, with 24,442 schools in England alone. There are 1170 Multi Academy Trusts in England that manage at least two or more schools. Data has been sourced from:  UK number of schools 2023 | Statista  Schools, pupils and their characteristics, Academic year 2022/23 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK (explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk)  https://edexec.co.uk/how-to-get-your-mat-connected-with-technology/  Budget: The UK Education spending in the year 2022 - 2023 stands at a £116 billion, which is 4.4 % of the national income. The core school budget for the year 2023 - 2024 has risen by 10% to £57.6 billion compared with £52.6 billion in 2019-2020. The budget is expected to increase by another 2% for the year 2024 - 2025, reaching £58.6 billion. Data has been sourced from: Annual report on education spending in England: 2023 (ifs.org.uk)  Spend: The UK Education school gross current procurement expenditure on services by function the estimated outturn 2023 is £33.5B. Gross current procurement expenditure estimated outturn for 2023 on capital projects is £7.8B. (Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2023 - tables 5.5-5.6, pages 82-83).  Challenges: The Education Sector faces the following challenges when dealing with procurement projects:  Limited capacity and capability within individual schools, leading to poor levels of Value for Money being obtained.  A highly fragmented and inefficient supply base, with a high cost of management and also a high cost to service for suppliers.  High levels pf non-contracted spend for procurements below and above the threshold values under the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and subsequent Procurement Act 2023, leading to non-compliance.  Evidence of directly awarding contracts to suppliers, removing opportunity for competition and subsequent savings.  Limited examples of Sustainability and Social Value initiatives included as part of any commercial contracts.  Opportunities: The Education Sector has a broad range of opportunities for suppliers who strategically are focused on supporting schools and educational institutions. The purpose of this Framework is to support the Supplier in unlocking these benefits:  High levels of non-contracted expenditure which need to be effectively and compliantly managed.  Limited strategic focus across the Education Sector in developing and providing regional and national solutions due to the fragmented nature of schools.  Large customer base that is open to innovation and welcomes service lead supplier solutions.  Due to the lack of maturity and fragmented customer base there are opportunities to aggregate solutions and scale these rapidly across the Education Sector. Procurement Legislation and Policy: The Education Sector needs to remain in compliance with a wide variety of legislation, policies, and sustainability requirements set out by the Public Contract Regulations 2015 Procurement Act 2023, the National Procurement Policy Statement and the Department of Education (DfE). Some key provisions include: Public Contract Regulations 2015 Procurement Act 2023  Conducting procurements through compliant route to markets.  Adherence to procurement procedures and thresholds to ensure fairness transparency and non-discriminationvaluing for money, our approach maximises public benefit, ensures appropriate sharing of information and we act with integrity.  Ensure procurements are treat suppliers equally an fairly.  Publishing of advertisements and all relevant notices for procurements. Sustainability Requirements by the DfE  Implementation of a climate action plan by 2025 (DfE Action Area 1)  Having sustainability leads in schools by 2025. (DfE Action Area 2)  Schools to report emissions by 2024. (DfE Action Area 4)  Eradication of single use plastics by 2025. (DfE Action Area 4) 2.4.1. The Framework is focused on the Education Sector and is to provide Customers with access to Multifunctional Devices. The awarded Supplier is to work in partnership with Value Match and the Customers to their best endeavours to the following principles:

HEART Academies Trust (HEART) to establish a Framework Agreement for the Provision of Independent Software Assessment Services, as described in Appendix A (Specification), commencing 2nd April 2024 for a 48 month period with no option to extend. Tender documents can be requested by emailing Zoe Court procurement@heartacademiestrust.co.uk Completed tender documents must be submitted via email to Zoe Court at procurement@heartacademiestrust.co.uk by the published closing date. This Framework will provide Software Asset Management Services, this will include but is not limited to: Full software licensing lifecycle support, including definition of requirements, procurement, allocation, management, reuse and retirement in all environments (including, but not limited to, hosted private cloud, public cloud services, hosted data centre) and Financial Operations and Green Operation Services

This FC sets out the requirements of this procurement and provides information on how the tender process will be managed. It also explains the clarification process and confirms the process that will be used to evaluate Tender(s). HEART requires the procurement of a Broadband Solution combined with a refresh / upgrade for their WIFI Access Points through a supplier providing the services under 1 contract. The "Broadband & WIFI Access Points" Solution will be required for all sites of HEART. HEART consists of 5 sites which are 3 Primary Schools, 1 Secondary School, and 1 Head Office. HEART requires improved Speeds for their sites, a failover line, and requires less Supplier authorization and more Customer authorization when making changes to their web filtering. They also would like a refresh of their Access Points as the current ones are about to lose support due to nearing their "End of Life" status.

It is the intention of Heart Academies Trust (HEART) to procure a service provider to create, lead and operate a fully outsourced sustainability and procurement shared service which is focused on the Education Sector. By adopting a 'stronger together' approach and a commitment to positive collaboration, we believe the creation of the shared service will enable HEART, other schools and trusts, as well the wider public sector drive improved sustainable, social impact and procurement outcomes at pace. Our belief is that sustainable procurement takes a wider view and incorporates the net benefits for HEART, the Education Sector, suppliers and the wider community . The shared service will consider the impact of environmental, economic and social factors along with price and quality for all activity, through which customers can maximise the positive impact we can create

HEART Academies Trust (HEART) awarded a Framework Agreement for the provision of a workplace solution, The framework is focused on the education sector and is to provide Customers with access to a full range of office and classroom suppliers including janitorial and other associated supplies. A vision to drive sustainable outcomes through ethically sourced goods, and Customer optionality for green and more suitable products including communicating where issues and challenges arise To drive sustainable operations through the use of recycled packaging, and where possible the elimination of single use plastics including communicating where issues and challenges arise The Framework will provide office and classroom suppliers including janitorial and other associated supplies, this will include but is not limited to: • Office stationery - general office stationery products e.g., pens, pencils, marker pens, envelopes, highlighter pens, whiteboard pens, desktop accessories, pockets and filing accessories, presentation items, diaries and associated office miscellaneous supplies, envelopes and address labels, water-based ink pens, wood free colouring pencils, calendars and diaries • Paper - copier paper, bulk paper orders • Janitorial goods - washroom supplies, blue roll, washing up liquid, soap dispensers and consumables, refuse sacks, waste containers washroom supplies, signage locks. • Personal protection equipment-. safety clothing, hard hats, first aid kits, fire blankets, first aid foil blankets, CO2 fire extinguisher and eye protectors. • Small office machines - laminators, shredders, guillotines, desktop printers, adding machines, label making machines, paper shredding machines. • Electronic office and media supplies e.g., ink and toner printer cartridges including remanufactured, CDs, DVDs and USB drives, electronic storage media and peripherals. • Classroom supplies and resources - including art supplies, teaching supplies, folders, pockets, dividers schoolbooks, exercise books, exercise paper.

HEART are looking to appoint a single Supplier who will demonstrate technical competency, best Value for Money and to provide all requirements in relation to both new and refurbished Multifunctional Devices (MFDs), including the supply, installation, maintenance, and repairs of the machines, including any spare parts required, to HEART and other Customers on a National basis. It is anticipated that these services will be promoted and accessed by the Education Sector and to other small to medium sized Public Sector organisations but for the avoidance of doubt, is open to any Public Sector Contracting Authority. The single Supplier for this Framework must also be able to provide Digital Transformation Solutions which can work seamlessly alongside the devices, including but not limited to, Print Management Cloud Services, and Automated Invoice Processing. The Supplier must be able to offer the option to purchase, and option to lease, both new and refurbished Multifunctional Devices. The Supplier must be able to provide Consumables for the devices, and offer devices from a minimum of two different manufacturers, to ensure the Customer is provided with optionality and unbiased recommendations. The Supplier is expected to prioritise the providence of quality, sustainability, and social value in all operations.

This Framework Contract will adopt a Neutral Vendor Managed Service model to offer a 'one stop shop' for all in scope ICT goods and services based on the Framework CPV codes. The Neutral Vendor will act a single interface between the Customer and the Supply Chain. The Framework is primarily focussed on the Education Sector, but must be available and suitable for all public sector organisations. The key objectives and focus of the framework are:  Value for money - through competition and in the case of direct award, demonstrated through benchmarking.  Access to a fully managed service - engaging with the Customer, providing advice and guidance, building up knowledge of each Customer based on previous engagements to inform the service they are offered, supporting the delivery of the outcomes required.  Access to high quality ICT goods and services - high quality goods and services should be tailored to each Customers requirements.  Transparency - copies of benchmarking information must be shared, especially in the case of direct awards, ensuring direct awards are only used where justified, sharing competition information with the Customer, whole life cost is presented including full transparency over Supplier fees to access the managed service.  Process efficiencies for Customers - streamlining invoices with effective management information, simplifying procurement processes.  Effective management of the Supply Chain - ensuring alignment with standards, only onboarding suitable Suppliers, offering choice to Customers, effective rotation of opportunities between appropriate Suppliers.  Sustainability and Social Value - ensuring alignment with Customers objectives around sustainability and social value.

This Framework Contract will adopt a Neutral Vendor Managed Service model to offer a 'one stop shop' for all in scope ICT goods and services based on the Framework CPV codes. The Neutral Vendor will act a single interface between the Customer and the Supply Chain. The Framework is primarily focussed on the Education Sector, but must be available and suitable for all public sector organisations. The key objectives and focus of the framework are: ? Value for money - through competition and in the case of direct award, demonstrated through benchmarking. ? Access to a fully managed service - engaging with the Customer, providing advice and guidance, building up knowledge of each Customer based on previous engagements to inform the service they are offered, supporting the delivery of the outcomes required. ? Access to high quality ICT goods and services - high quality goods and services should be tailored to each Customers requirements. ? Transparency - copies of benchmarking information must be shared, especially in the case of direct awards, ensuring direct awards are only used where justified, sharing competition information with the Customer, whole life cost is presented including full transparency over Supplier fees to access the managed service. ? Process efficiencies for Customers - streamlining invoices with effective management information, simplifying procurement processes. ? Effective management of the Supply Chain - ensuring alignment with standards, only onboarding suitable Suppliers, offering choice to Customers, effective rotation of opportunities between appropriate Suppliers. ? Sustainability and Social Value - ensuring alignment with Customers objectives around sustainability and social value.

HEART are looking to appoint a single Supplier who will demonstrate technical competency, offer the best Value for Money and to provide all requirements in relation to acquisition of School Uniforms, to HEART and other Customers. It is anticipated that these services will be promoted and accessed by the Education Sector and to other small to medium sized Public Sector organisations but for the avoidance of doubt, is open to any Public Sector Contracting Authority.

HEART are looking to appoint a single Supplier who will demonstrate technical competency, best Value for Money and to provide all requirements in relation to the Workforce Absence Prevention and Protection services, to HEART and other Customers. It is anticipated that these services will be promoted and accessed by the Education Sector and however for the avoidance of doubt, is open to any Public Sector Contracting Authority. This Framework will provide Workforce Absence Prevention and Protection services which includes but is not limited to: - Access to a comprehensive health and well-being support service that focuses on absence prevention rather than absence management. The health and well-being support service may evolve over the duration of the contract to meet the ongoing and changing needs of Customers. - Where there is an absence, the Supplier will provide access to staff absence protection policies, that provide flexibility of cover to meet individual Customer requirements.

HEART are looking to appoint a single Supplier who will demonstrate technical competency, best value for money and to provide all requirements in relation to Workforce Services, to HEART and other Customers. It is anticipated that these services will be promoted and accessed by the Education Sector and to other small to medium sized public sector organisations but for the avoidance of doubt, is open to any Public Sector Contracting Authority.

HEART Academies Trust (the Customer) are seeking to appoint a suitable supplier that will be able to deliver and provide the Trusts Microsoft Licensing needs. The current service will be for all academies currently within the Trust. • Shortstown Primary School • Shackleton Primary School • Cauldwell Primary School • Bedford Academy

1. 1 HEART invites you to participate in this Further Competition opportunity. HEART wants to upgrade their Building Energy Management System (BEMS) for one of their schools, Bedford Academy. 1. 2 This is being run using Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the provision of goods and services to drive social impact and improvement (https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024257-2023) a DPS agreement by HEART Academies Trust). 1. 3 All Supplier(s) who have been approved under the relevant NUTS, CPV and additional capabilities under the DPS have been invited to this Further Competition. 1. 4 Implementation for this project will begin in February of 2024. 1. 5 HEART Academies Trust is a non-profit making charitable company based in Bedford. HEART was established to support local schools build upon existing strengths to improve and maintain high educational standards and encourage continuity of education within the local community.

HEART are looking to appoint a single Supplier who will demonstrate technical competency, best value for money and to provide all requirements in relation to Water Management Services, to HEART and other Customers. It is anticipated that these services will be promoted and accessed by the Education Sector and to other small to medium sized public sector organisations but for the avoidance of doubt, is open to any Public Sector Contracting Authority.

HEART are looking to appoint a single Supplier who will offer the best value for money, demonstrate technical competency and deliver all Waste Management Services requirements as stated in this specification. It is anticipated that these services will be promoted and accessed by the education sector and other small to medium sized public sector organisations but for the avoidance of doubt, is open to any public sector contracting authority. The Waste Management Services offered by this Framework will consist of, but are not restricted to: - Reducing the environmental impact and volumes of waste. - Providing guidance and support to Value Match, Framework Customers, Value Match Customers and other contracted Suppliers on waste management, waste reduction, recycling and sustainability (may include but are not limited to): - Reducing packaging - Reducing single use plastics - Enabling more accurate waste management assessment - Training and Education - Minimising the food waste - Engaging in and developing school programs and educational initiatives (such as presentations and education sessions for students) - Delivering savings through waste reduction and recycling. - Introducing sustainable systems to meet the carbon reduction targets. Waste management (may include but are not limited to): - General waste collection - Waste segregation and segregated waste collection - Food waste collection - Recycling of waste - The introduction of an effective audit and waste monitoring system. - Supply of bins (plastic wheel bins, steel wheel bins, 2-wheel bins, 4-wheel bins, etc) - Waste vehicle management. - Waste management staff / and their supervision

Value Match and HEART are looking to source a single Supplier per Lot to service a Catering Framework with a focus on providing meals with high nutritional value that are accessible and appealing to students. The desired outcome of this process is to award a Framework for a catering offering with a focus on maximising learning outcomes for children. Meals with high nutritional value will enable students to focus and learn, this is particularly important as for some children, the school lunch may be the only meal, or the only healthy meal, of the day.