IT provider Stone Group has been selected for the provision of client PC hardware and related services to the National Desktop and Notebook Agreement (NDNA).
Following a rigorous procurement process in competition against several major PC technology names including HP, Lenovo and Dell, Stone has been awarded a spot on the three-year framework, which commences 1 November 2022, with an option to extend a further year through to 31 October 2026.
Managed by the London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC), the NDNA framework allows universities and other non-profit member institutions to purchase a range of Desktop and Notebook PCs (inc. workstations) and associated services. Stone’s final position as first-ranked for both the provision of Desktop PCs (Lot 1) and ‘One-Stop Shop’ (Lot 3) allows member institutions to select Stone as a supplier via direct award without having to re-open as part of a further competition.
Stone has also been appointed to the framework as a reseller of HP and Dynabook devices while HP has been awarded a place as the first-ranked supplier for Laptop PCs (Lot 2).
Antony Mellor, Sales Director for Higher Education at Stone Group, said: “The National Desktop and Notebook Agreement is a well-established and highly respected framework used by a large number of UK Universities and other member institutions. It offers fantastic value-for-money, high quality hardware, and strong value-added services, enabling institutions to access the technology they need to empower their staff and students. Stone are specialists in deploying exceptional technology within educational settings that enhances the learning experience and provides better educational outcomes.”
Earlier this year, Stone Group, was re-awarded a place on the Software For Schools and Academies Framework, operated by the Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) serving the UK education sector.
Stone’s award covers six Lots, for the provision of Microsoft; Adobe; Google For Education; Data Security, Backup & Recovery; and off-the-shelf Software. The framework allows Crescent’s c. 9,000 members to buy ICT more competitively from approved suppliers, including Stone Group. Running until 8th August 2024, with an option to extend for a further one or two years, the CPC framework is valued at between £1.4m and £2.8m over the maximum four-year period.
Simon Harbridge, CEO at Stone Group, said, “As we continue to serve the education sector in the UK, the CPC’s framework allows its members to compare vendors and technologies to determine what the best and most cost-effective solutions for their circumstances, while offering the assurance that they’ll be working with a trusted and compliant vendor.
A not-for-profit organisation, the CPC is owned and run by the further education (FE) sector. The CPC provides its members with access to specialist procurement frameworks. The frameworks allow schools and academies to purchase the ICT equipment they need at great value in full compliance with public sector buying regulations.
bolstered by the addition of its DinoPC division.
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