Using centralised contracts and frameworks offers a number of advantages. It ensures compliance with procurement regulations and guidelines and removes the administrative burden of running a formal tender process. Through economies of scale they can also often deliver best value for taxpayers’ money.
It is ETB policy to use centralised contracts and frameworks. If you have any questions regarding your ETB’s policy, you should contact your local ETB administrative office for advice. Where public bodies do not utilise central procurement frameworks, they should be in a position to provide a value for money justification.
While suppliers may be willing to offer exceptional discounts for a period of time for particular products or services, it is important for ETBs to consider their ongoing and overall requirements before purchasing outside a centralised contract or framework. They also need to remain compliant with public procurement guidelines. ETB schools and centres should check with their ETB Administrative Office if they require further information.
All current and upcoming national contracts and frameworks are listed on the OGP’s website https://ogp.gov.ie/ In order to access full information, you will need to register as a public sector Buyer via their website. (Suppliers – see FAQ I’m a supplier – how do I tender for ETB business? below).
In the first instance you should make contact with your local ETB Administrative office for further information / ICT liaison. The rules and guidelines for ICT procurement differ from other goods and services in that approval under Circular 02/2016 is required from all ICT expenditure above €25K.
You should ensure that you are registered as a supplier on both the OGP website https://ogp.gov.ie/ and eTenders http://www.etenders.gov.ie/ Some ETBs also publish tendering information/ opportunities on their websites.
Your first stop for procurement advice/ information should be your local ETB administrative office. There is also information on public procurement guidelines and a guide to EU thresholds here.
