"Your Education Technology" An Open Framework (PA 2023) for the provision of ICT products, services, and solutions.
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about ICT products
When you first look at this opportunity, you might think it's all about the technology.
But it's not.
Nexus Multi Academy Trust isn't just looking for ICT products, services and solutions.
They're looking for partners who can support educational outcomes.
Yes, it's about providing technology.
But more importantly, it's about understanding the educational environment and the needs of schools and colleges.
The framework covers three lots: ICT Support Services and Managed Services, Professional Services and Hardware.
Remember, it's a framework, not a contract
This is an Open Framework under the Procurement Act 2023.
That means you're not bidding for a contract to deliver work immediately.
You're competing for a place on the framework.
Think of it as getting onto a preferred supplier list.
Once you're on the list, you'll have opportunities to secure work through call-offs.
This is your first win: getting onto the framework.
Think about the schools and colleges
Nexus and other eligible Contracting Authorities will be your end users.
They're the ones you'll be working with if you're successful.
Think about what they need from their ICT suppliers.
They'll be looking for partners who understand the challenges of the education sector.
Who can provide solutions that are reliable, adaptable and support teaching and learning.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice makes it clear that this is a significant opportunity.
The maximum value of £1,000,000,000 over eight years is a headline figure.
But remember, this doesn't guarantee any work.
Nexus has set up this framework to be compliant and accessible.
They want to make it easy for schools and colleges to procure ICT solutions.
What does that mean for you?
It means you need to show how you'll make procurement simple and straightforward.
Evidence always beats promises
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for evidence of past performance.
Bidders often promise the earth but don't back it up.
You need to show that you can deliver.
- Case studies from similar educational environments
- Testimonials from satisfied clients
- Data on your service reliability and response times
- Certifications or accreditations that add credibility
Be strategic about your lot choices
You can bid for one, multiple or all lots.
But just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Focus on where you can genuinely deliver.
Where you have the expertise and resources to stand out.
Overreaching can dilute your strength.
Quality over quantity is key.
Show how you'll manage over the whole term
Consistency is crucial in education.
Schools and colleges need suppliers who can deliver day in, day out.
Think about how you'll maintain standards over eight years.
- Your approach to recruitment and training
- How you'll handle holidays and absences
- Processes for regular performance reviews and inspections
I'd want to see how you'll ensure continuity of service.
Direct awards and mini-competitions
Once you're on the framework, work can come through direct awards or mini-competitions.
Direct awards are about being easy to find and reliable.
Mini-competitions are about being competitive and responsive.
You'll need to be ready to turn around proposals quickly.
Make sure your team understands the framework terms and is ready for both routes.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This isn't just about technology.
It's about supporting education.
Every answer you write, ask yourself: "How does this help the schools?"
If you keep that question in mind, you'll be on the right track.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus only on technology, without considering educational needs
- Overpromise without evidence to back it up
- Spread too thinly across lots without genuine expertise
- Ignore the need for ongoing management and consistency
- Fail to address the direct award and mini-competition processes
- Assume the headline value guarantees revenue
- Overlook the specific requirements of the Procurement Act 2023
My Final Thoughts
Nexus Multi Academy Trust is looking for partners who understand the educational landscape.
The framework is valued at £1,000,000,000 over eight years, but remember, that's the potential spend, not a guarantee.
Getting onto the framework is your first goal.
With no limit on the number of suppliers per lot, it's about showing how you can support teaching and learning consistently.
The framework's Open nature means it will periodically allow new suppliers, so maintaining your offer's competitiveness is crucial.
Quality will play a significant role, so ensure your submission reflects that.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.