- Lot 1. Wind Instruments
- Lot 2. Harps
- Lot 3A. Orchestral String Instruments
- Lot 3B. Rock and Pop String Instruments
- Lot 4. Brass Instruments
- Lot 5A. Acoustic Pianos
- Lot 5B. Digital Pianos
- Lot 6. Percussion Instruments
- Lot 7. Audio Equipment and Music Technology
- Lot 8A. Woodwind Accessories
- Lot 8B. Brass Accessories
- Lot 8C. String Accessories
- Lot 8D. Percussion Accessories
Scope
Reference
EDR-25-002
Description
The Education Authority (EA) invites tenders for the supply and delivery of Musical Instruments to individual schools and EA locations within Northern Ireland for a period of 4 years. This framework agreement is let by the Northern Ireland Education Authority ("EA") and is open to the EA, including NI educational bodies as follows and at some point, during the life of the framework agreement these bodies may wish to utilize the agreement and should have access, at any point, with the permission of EA. This framework agreement is not intended to replace any current contracts/framework agreements that participating or non-participating institutions may already have in place. https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/services/schools-plus Primary and Post Primary schools under the control of the EA, Catholic Maintained Schools, Independent Schools in NI, Irish Medium Schools in NI, both Controlled and Voluntary Grammar Schools, Nursery School for NI (both controlled and Catholic Maintained), school meals kitchens on-site at all of these schools, and Controlled Youth Centre's. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/further-education-fe-colleges Further Education Colleges in NI, https://www.nicie.org/parents/school-finder/ Grant Controlled Integrated Education Schools in NI, https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/northern-ireland/ Independent School in NI, Libraries NI:https://www.librariesni.org.uk/Libraries/, EA Teachers' and Educational Centre's, Council for the Curriculum, Examination and Assessment NI (CCEA), Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Middletown Centre for Autism, Controlled Schools Support Council (CSSC), Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE), Pre-Schools and Nurseries included within the EA's Pre-School Education Programme (PSEP)
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £3,000,000 excluding VAT
- £3,600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 37000000 - Musical instruments, sport goods, games, toys, handicraft, art materials and accessories
- 37300000 - Musical instruments and parts
- 37310000 - Musical instruments
- 37311300 - Musical organs
- 37314300 - Musical cornets and flutes
- 37316000 - Percussion instruments
- 37321000 - Accessories of musical instruments
- 37320000 - Parts and accessories of musical instruments
- 37321600 - Musical instrument pouches or cases or accessories
- 37321700 - Musical instrument stands or sheet holders
- 37322000 - Parts of musical instruments
Lot 1. Wind Instruments
Description
The scope of requirements for this Lot includes the following:
• Flute, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Oboe, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Bassoon, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Clarinet, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Saxophone, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Folk wind instruments e.g. Fife and Tin Whistle
• Plastic wind instrument e.g. pBone, Nuvo TooT
• Classroom wind instruments e.g. Recorder, Ocarina
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Harps
Description
The scope of requirements for this Lot includes the following:
• Concert Harps
• Pedal Harps
• Lever Harps
• Folk Harps
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3A. Orchestral String Instruments
Description
The scope of requirements for this Lot includes the following:
• Orchestral String Instruments e.g Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges in all sizes
• Classical Guitars
• Classroom String Instruments, e.g Ukulele
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3B. Rock and Pop String Instruments
Description
The scope of requirements for this lot includes the following:
• Guitars; Electrical, Bass, Acoustic beginner, intermediate and advance ranges in all sizes
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the
Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Brass Instruments
Description
The scope of requirements for this lot includes the following:
• Orchestral brass instruments e.g. Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Band brass instruments e.g. Cornet, Tenor Horn, Euphonium, Baritone Horn, Eb Tuba, beginner, intermediate and advance ranges.
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5A. Acoustic Pianos
Description
The scope of requirements for this Lot includes the following:
• Acoustic Pianos e.g. Upright, Grand, Concert Grand and Silent including beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Piano covers and stools
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate
any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the
Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5B. Digital Pianos
Description
The scope of requirements for this lot includes the following:
• Digital Pianos e.g. Clavinova type and stage piano including beginner, intermediate and advance ranges
• Keyboards stands and accessories e.g. cases, headphones and power supplies
• Portable Keyboards with and without speakers
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate
any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the
Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 6. Percussion Instruments
Description
The scope of requirements for this Lot includes the following:
• Orchestral and school percussion e.g. Timpani, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Marimba, Snare & Bass drums, Chimes, Cymbals
• Drum Kits acoustic, electrical and desk type
• Classroom Percussion e.g. Metallophone, Percussion Packs
• Ethnic Percussion e.g. Djembe, Samba, Indian
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate
any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the
Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 7. Audio Equipment and Music Technology
Description
The scope of requirements for this Lot includes the following:
• DJ Equipment and Accessories
• Digital recording equipment
• Music Software
• SEN Music Equipment
• Headphones
• Amplifier
• PA System (portable)
• Microphones
• Mixers
• Speakers
• Cables and power supplies for audio equipment
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate
any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the
Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8A. Woodwind Accessories
Description
The scope of requirements for this lot includes the following:
• Cases and accessories for wind instruments e.g. mouthpieces, reeds and music stands
• Replacement parts and repair tools for wind instruments
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate
any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the
Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8B. Brass Accessories
Description
The scope of requirements for this lot includes the following:
• Cases and accessories e.g. mouthpieces, valve oil, mutes and music stands
• Replacement parts and repair tools for brass instruments
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8C. String Accessories
Description
The scope of requirements for this lot includes the following:
• Guitar String and Capos
• Cases and accessories for string instruments e.g strings, bows and music stands
• Replacement parts and repair tools for string instruments
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 8D. Percussion Accessories
Description
The scope of requirements for this lot includes the following:
• Percussion accessories e.g. sticks, beaters, cases, drum heads
• Replacement parts for percussion instruments
The value detailed in this lot is estimated. There is no commitment as to the usage,
volume or value of products required under this lot. The EA reserves the right to reallocate any values. between all lots under this Framework where required throughout the Framework. Agreement Period, within the limit of the overall awarded Framework Value.
Lot value (estimated)
- £230,769.23 excluding VAT
- £276,923.08 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The end user will make call-offs based on objective criteria such as:
• Compatibility with existing instruments or curriculum requirements
• Continuity of requirements, ensuring consistency across teaching and assessment
• Product characteristics, reflecting the diverse needs of schools and pupils
• Assessment availability, where specific instruments are required for examinations
• Delivery lead time, ensuring timely supply to avoid disruption to teaching
• Price, to secure best value for money
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Wind Instruments
Lot 2. Harps
Lot 3A. Orchestral String Instruments
Lot 3B. Rock and Pop String Instruments
Lot 4. Brass Instruments
Lot 5A. Acoustic Pianos
Lot 5B. Digital Pianos
Lot 6. Percussion Instruments
Lot 7. Audio Equipment and Music Technology
Lot 8A. Woodwind Accessories
Lot 8B. Brass Accessories
Lot 8C. String Accessories
Lot 8D. Percussion Accessories
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
24 February 2026, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
28 February 2026, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
20 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
| AC1 Adherence to Specification of Requirements | Quality |
| AC2 Completion of 06 Technical Response | Quality |
| AC3 Cost | Price |
Weighting description
Quality Pass/fail
Price 100%
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
the Education Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPHJ-6982-JPXY
40 Academy Street
Belfast
BT1 2NQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland