The new framework 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.
It is due to run until the end of February 2023 and has an estimated value of around £1bn. There is an option to extend the scheme to 2025 and NHS trusts could benefit from indicative savings of 25 per cent, when compared to buying direct from a supplier at list price. NHS SBS said the potential cost saving for the public sector is expected to be up to £250m.
The scheme will replace the popular and well-established “Link 2: IT Hardware framework”. The new “Digital Workplace: Hardware” 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 framework looks to simplify the procurement of value-added services, such as DaaS 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.
Phil Davies, director of procurement at NHS SBS, said, “This new framework has been developed to build on the success of our previous “Link: 2 IT Hardware” framework agreement, which was very well used by the NHS and wider public sector, and has been critical to many organisations as they have responded to the challenges presented by the pandemic. The new framework provides ease and peace of mind for organisations looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to meet their end user device needs.
“In 2020, much of the country moved to remote working with huge success. The launch of the “Digital Workplace: Hardware” framework means the public sector can continue to access technologies that are pivotal to supporting productivity through flexible and innovative ways of working.”