£250m savings opportunity for NHS and wider public sector after launch of IT Hardware and Services
New framework to help NHS and public sector organisations purchase cost-effective IT Hardware has launched, with the potential to save an estimated £250m.
IT Hardware and Services (Link3) Framework – developed by NOE CPC in partnership with NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) – offers consumer-oriented technologies across a range of end-user IT Hardware products and services from 19 carefully-selected suppliers, ranging from specialist SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to global manufacturers.
The framework, which is due to run until the end of February 2023 (with the option to extend to 2025), has an estimated value of around £1bn. With average indicative savings of 25% compared to buying direct from a supplier at list price, the potential cost saving for the public sector is expected to be up to £250m.
Replacing the popular and well-established Link2: IT Hardware and Services framework, the new agreement provides public bodies, such as NHS trusts, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), universities, emergency services and local authorities, with a simple and compliant route to market for the most frequently required end-user client devices.
The new streamlined agreement is free-to-access and includes everything from desktop PCs, laptops/notebook devices, mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, wearables), specialist healthcare related IT hardware (clinical displays, infection control keyboards, mobile carts).
The framework also provides organisations with the option to utilise value-added services, for example, ‘Device as a Service’ (DVaaS) and deployment services, as well as obtain the latest sustainable products or new-to-market innovations, such as virtual reality headsets used in medical diagnosis. DVaaS is an innovative, flexible and transparent alternative to the traditional capital equipment purchase model, whereby customers can source IT and associated devices at a finite cost per device per month over a desired term.
Stephen Sercombe, Director of Procurement at NOE CPC said: “Building on the success of the previous LINK 2 framework, our new agreement gives organisations a cost-effective way to meet their needs for end user devices.
“It offers the latest devices with highly competitive public sector pricing. With a comprehensive procurement exercise already undertaken, NHS and other public sector organisations can save valuable time and resource.
“With many people still working from home, the IT Hardware framework allows organisations to continue accessing technologies that are vital in supporting productivity and flexible working.”
The IT Hardware and Services framework is fully PCR 2015 compliant and was advertised in the OJEU. All 19 awarded suppliers meet the necessary standards, including Cyber Essentials and ISO Quality Management. The agreement permits spot buying, mini-competitions and provides best value pricing and negotiated terms.
Public bodies can access the framework at no cost to purchase a wide variety of end-user devices and associated services, with no minimum or maximum order value restrictions.
The new IT Hardware and Services Framework (Link3) is part of a growing portfolio of digital and IT agreements managed by NOE CPC, including IT Enterprise Solutions, ICT Solutions Delivery: Professional Services and Consultancy Support and Remote Teleradiology Reporting Services.
For more information visit www.noecpc.nhs.uk/contracts/it-hardware-and-services-link-3 or email enquiries@noecpc.nhs.uk