Suppliers sought for £50m networking framework

Framework will see networking equipment and services supplied to higher-education institutions

A higher-education buying consortium is seeking suppliers to deliver £50m worth of networking equipment and services.

The ‘HE Networking - Supply and Services Framework', developed by North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium, will see networking solutions delivered to UK higher-education institutions.

According to the contract notice, all wired and wireless networking equipment can be acquired through the framework.

The framework will be divided into four Lots: Networking Equipment, Small to Medium Networking Projects, Large Networking products, and Networking Consultancy.

The Lots are estimated to be worth £22.5m, £16.5m, £10.5m and £500,000 respectively.

No more than 14 suppliers are expected to be invited to bid for a place on each Lot, with no more than nine awarded a spot on each. No suppliers on Lots 1, 2 and 3 will be eligible for the fourth consultancy Lot, to avoid conflicts of interest.

The framework will run for an initial two-year period, with the option of two further 12-month extensions. Contracts are expected to be awarded in February 2018.