Scope
Reference
VMREF0223
Description
This Framework Contract will adopt a Neutral Vendor Managed Service model to offer a 'one stop shop' for all 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.
The planned procurement notice and the tender process are being run using 'parent' level CPV codes. It should be assumed all relevant 'child'/sub codes will be covered under the contract.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £800,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,000,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 30000000 - Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages
- 31000000 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting
- 32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 42960000 - Command and control system, printing, graphics, office automation and information-processing equipment
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
- 50300000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to personal computers, office equipment, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment
- 51300000 - Installation services of communications equipment
- 51600000 - Installation services of computers and office equipment
- 64200000 - Telecommunications services
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 79210000 - Accounting and auditing services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 79500000 - Office-support services
- 79800000 - Printing and related services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
24 November 2025
Engagement process description
We will undertake a market engagement session relating to this procurement on 17th November. The purpose of this engagement is to support suppliers in preparing for the forthcoming procurement opportunity in a fair, transparent, and informed manner.
To participate in the engagement session, please email an expression of interest to procurement@heartacademiestrust.co.uk by Wed 12th November.
Suppliers are invited to submit questions during the engagement process; all questions will be collated and responded to in a non-attributed format to ensure equal access to information across the market. Questions should be submitted by email to procurement@heartacademiestrust.co.uk.
The session will take place via Microsoft Teams on 17th November at 14:00.
A copy of the engagement session, recording and any non-attributed questions received and answers will be issued as part of the tender pack to ensure equal treatment.
Contracting authority
HEART ACADEMIES TRUST
- Companies House: 06969741
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVCR-6312-NPXW
Bedford Academy
Bedford
MK42 9TR
United Kingdom
Region: UKH24 - Bedford
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
VALUE MATCH SERVICES LTD
Summary of their role in this procurement: Appointed procurement specialists on behalf of HEART
- Companies House: 08522031
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXYJ-6338-PQDD
Dee House
Chester
CH3 5UU
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@value-match.co.uk
Website: https://www.value-match.co.uk/
Region: UKD63 - Cheshire West and Chester