HE National Apple Equipment & Services Framework Agreement

The framework agreement was initially awarded on the basis of 24 months with a further 2, 12-month options to extend. The options to extend have been exercised by the contracting authority. The framework agreement would expire on 31 March 2020 unless extended further. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the authorities have insufficient time to re-procure the framework before its expiry. The Covid-19 pandemic is requiring IT providers to focus their supplies on study-at-home education needs and to a lesser extent, public health and NHS requirements. The closure of member institutions and restricted working arrangements for potential bidders has severely reduced the availability of IT provider and HE member institution personnel required to undertake the exercise. The lots, economic operators and nature of the supplies and services provided under each lot are unchanged. The estimated increased total spend through the framework agreement is less than 50 % of the value of the framework agreement. The extension of a public sector contracting arrangement where there is a direct causal link to the Covid-19 pandemic is consistent with UK Government Procurement Policy Note 02/20 and Guidance from the European Commission. The extension will until 31 July 2021 will provide sufficient time for the procurement currently ongoing for the new agreement.