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Equals Trust - Provision of ICT Managed Services Stage 1

Equals Trust

This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

02 Nov 2026 at 17:35

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

22 Oct 2026 at 12:05

UK4 - Tender Notice
PlanningUpdate

24 Jun 2026 at 11:48

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

18 Jun 2026 at 15:59

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

12 Jun 2026 at 08:09

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Equals Trust is seeking a provider for managed ICT services across its schools. The supplier will act as the Trust’s single point of contact for ICT and manage its other technology providers, centralising service management rather than handling each school separately. Work includes technical support, system management and consultancy, equipment set-up, software installation, multifunction device connections, troubleshooting and repairs. The aim is a consistent Trust-wide approach, effective use of equipment and shared resources, and reliable support for staff and pupils. The provider will also support ICT hardware and software procurement when requested. Delivery is in Nottinghamshire. This is primarily an ICT services contract, with related purchases of goods.

The buyer invited offers through an open competitive flexible procedure, with an initial shortlisting stage followed by an invitation to shortlisted suppliers to submit final tenders. The enquiry deadline was 30 November 2026 at 12 noon; the deadline for the Stage 1 questionnaire and shortlisting responses was the same. Final tenders were due by 26 February 2027 at 12 noon, with an award decision scheduled by 30 April 2027. The contract is due to run from 3 January 2028 to 2 January 2031, with possible extensions in two 12-month periods, to a maximum end date of 2 January 2033. The estimated value is £3 million excluding VAT (£3.6 million including VAT). There is one lot. Stage 2 evaluation weights quality at 60% and price at 40%.

The requirement suits ICT managed-service providers with experience delivering technology services in the education sector and evidence of comparable contracts. Suppliers must show relevant technical ability through up to three contract examples; at least one must demonstrate suitable past experience in a similar project. Cyber Essentials Plus, or an equivalent independently verified set of controls, is required; eligible accreditations or competencies can be confirmed as in place by the contract start. Bidders need to demonstrate sound financial standing and be able to provide employer’s liability cover of £5 million, public liability of £5 million, professional indemnity of £1 million, product liability of £1 million and cyber liability of £1 million. The work calls for suitably qualified technical staff, capacity for hands-on support across schools, flexibility as requirements change, and the ability to coordinate effectively with other ICT suppliers.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Equals Trust - Provision of ICT Managed Services Stage 1

Notice Description

This Procurement is being conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 using the competitive flexible procedure. 1.2.1. The Trust aims to achieve a consistent approach to ICT both for pupils and staff by moving to a Trust-model approach in the provision of ICT Managed Services ("the Service(s)"). This will enable the Trust to maximise the effectiveness of ICT equipment and services, as well as helping to share resources and best practice across all schools. 1.2.2. The Trust has no internal ICT resources and is therefore seeking an ICT Managed Services Provider ("the Supplier") who will: a) act as the single point of contact for the Trust's ICT requirements and management of the Trust's other third-party ICT providers. b) centralise the management of ICT services at Trust level, rather than on an individual school by school basis. c) operate within a centralised Trust operating model, which has a consistent approach across schools. d) deliver cost effective and high-quality technical support, system management and consultancy services. e) provide transparent all-inclusive pricing which allows accurate budgeting over the term of the Contract. 1.2.3. The Supplier shall be: a) experienced in the education sector, mindful of sector constraints and/or Department for Education (DFE) requirements whilst prioritising the needs and interests of pupils in all activities. b) equipped with suitably qualified and technically capable staff, able to perform their roles to the required standard while communicating clearly and effectively with school and Trust staff. c) flexible with respect to future requirements and service options and able to adapt to the changing ICT landscape throughout the life of the contract. d) innovative and demonstrate a shared vision with the Trust regarding future service development. e) able to take a hands-on approach to all the ICT needs of the Trust, including equipment set up, software installations, MFD connections, troubleshooting and repairs to keep the Trust running effectively. f) take a collaborative approach and establish strong working relationships with other providers (e.g. MFDs, software platforms) to ensure seamless, coordinated service delivery across the Trust. g) able to gives staff and students confidence when using the Trust's ICT resources.

Lot Information

Lot LOT-0000

Options: The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The Contract Value includes inflation and potential IT harware purchasing. Tenderer shall note the following specific contract modifications relevant to this procurement: a. New Schools may join the Trust during the term of the contract; therefore, a contract variation may be required. A pricing assessment will be completed and agreed by the Tenderer and the Trust for each new school in such instances. b. Additional IT support related activities/projects may be required of the Tenderer which an additional payment will be agreed by the Tenderer and the Trust through the agreed rate card c. IT Hardware & Software procurement in accordance with the tender specification at the Trust request

Renewal: The possible extension of two (2) further years, in 12-month intervals (3 +1+1).

Planning Information

https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=106319&TID=100111425&B= Update to Preliminary Market Engagement Arrangements The Trust is reviewing the current arrangements for the Preliminary Market Engagement process to ensure that the process is as accessible, transparent and consistent as possible for all interested suppliers. As part of this review, the Trust has decided to cancel the preliminary market engagement sessions currently scheduled. Revised arrangements will be issued shortly and will include updated details on how interested suppliers can participate in the process. All revised arrangements and any updated dates will be communicated through this notice and/or the tender portal at the same time to all interested suppliers. Suppliers who have already booked to attend a session will be contacted separately to confirm that the existing sessions will no longer proceed. The Trust apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks suppliers for their understanding.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b394
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/103935-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

72510000 - Computer-related management services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£3,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£3,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Nov 2026Today
Submission Deadline
26 Feb 20274 months to go
Future Notice Date
1 Oct 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Jan 2028 - 2 Jan 2031 3-4 years
Recurrence
2033-01-02

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Equals Trust
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NOTTINGHAM
Postcode
NG12 5FB
Postcode Area
Nottingham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF1 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF16 South Nottinghamshire
Delivery Location
TLF14 Nottingham
Local Authority
Rushcliffe
Electoral Ward
Keyworth & Wolds
Westminster Constituency
Rushcliffe

Further Information

Notice Documents

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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