21 suppliers handed slice of £300m schools ICT gig

CRN understands standstill period for Becta framework successor was extended due to challenge from unsuccessful bidder

After a slight delay, agreements have been dished out for the new £300m schools ICT framework, with 21 suppliers tasting success.

VARs Circle IT and Softcat were among those to issue press statements this morning confirming their place on RM1050, the successor to the Becta framework.

CRN understands the standstill period for the framework, which had already been delayed, was extended after an unsuccessful bidder challenged the outcome.

But it appears the final line-up is identical to the provisional one, with 21 of the 43 firms we gather bid for it making the cut (a maximum of 20 suppliers were allowed on but we understand there was a tie for 20th place). Kelway, Insight, Misco and RM were among the victors.

Cardiff-based Dell and Microsoft partner Circle IT said it was one of 11 SMBs on the framework, which required bidders to mock up a bid for a fictional free school owned by a trust.

Some 500 new schools and academies are expected to open and sign up to the framework over the course of the four-year framework, Circle IT said.

"Being part of this framework proves that we offer the same quality of service as some of the large IT providers who have occupied this market for decades," said Dan Fearnley, director of education at Circle IT.

Jamie Burke, sales director at Softcat, said: "Securing a place on the CCS framework agreement is a significant milestone for Softcat's education business, and comes as a direct result of 36 months' hard work from the team."