North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the re-tendered IT Related Accessories and Parts (ITRAP) framework to NWUPC members. The retendered agreement provides a compliant and responsible route for organisations to purchase a wide range of products such as components, Virtual Reality Equipment, displays, monitors, screens, telecoms equipment, peripheral accessories, audio visual consumables and more!

Offering a cost-effective procurement option across a broad range of Lots covering IT Related Accessories and Parts, this Framework agreement brings together a number of market operators from SMEs through to larger manufacturers and distributors. The agreement will run from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2027, with a permissible extension through to 31st August 2028 if invoked.

How do I call-off from the framework agreement?

The main changes from the previous agreement include:

–open Direct Award – The new iteration of the ITRAP framework now enables members to direct award to any of the 8 suppliers

–more visible costs – Suppliers have a fixed cost-to-serve percentage which will be applied to each order, enabling members to have greater visibility of the total cost of an order (see buyers guide for further information)

–new suppliers – 4 new suppliers have been awarded to this framework (Bechtle Direct, Misco Technologies, Sync, CDW Limited).

Key benefits of using the IT related Accessories and Parts Framework Agreement:

-cost savings: competitive prices with transparency showing suppliers margin and costs

-simplified terms and conditions: pre-negotiated Terms and Conditions and order form which have been simplified for the nature of goods supplied under this framework agreement

-reliable supply chain: established, reliable supply chains with pre-approved suppliers, ensuring timely delivery and reducing the risk of supply shortages for critical IT components

-flexibility: allowing IT departments to order accessories and parts as needed, without the requirement to commit to large volumes upfront, which is particularly useful given the rapidly changing nature of IT needs

-quick access to products: with an established framework and supply market, IT departments can quickly obtain the accessories and parts they need

-reduced administrative work: streamline the procurement process by eliminating the need for repetitive tendering or supplier vetting each time IT accessories or parts are needed.

Call-off from this framework agreement is by means of direct award (ranking) or further competition and desktop calculator.

How did we consider sustainability, equality and diversity as part of the tender?

Sustainability is of key concern to the HE sector and our suppliers are encouraged to operate and promote sustainable practices. Suppliers were evaluated in terms of their approach to:

• carbon reduction achievement and reporting
• commitments to delivering social value including community and voluntary schemes supported
• ensuring their supply chains follow the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code.

Further information:

Full agreement details, including how to use the agreement and supplier contact details by Lot can be found here on the NWUPC Agreements Page and on HEContracts.

For further questions or enquiries contact procurement@nwupc.ac.uk or call on 0161 234 8000.