Day-to-day processes and procedures can be unnecessarily complex when working with outdated hardware. With the right digital hardware, the public sector can drive modernisation and productivity, providing the digital infrastructure needed to improve services and implement new operating systems and software.
The Lord Darzi report emphasised the need for increased investment in IT infrastructure and digital transformation to improve NHS performance. Outdated IT hardware can be a hinderance for clinicians and support staff as it can cause delays, disruptions and impact their ability to access and manage critical information, forcing them to spend more time troubleshooting than with patients. Plus, without the most up-to-date desktops and laptops, NHS Trusts won’t be able to upgrade their Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems, hampering progress.
In the community, without data-enabled tablets, community nurses’ productivity is reduced, as they can’t record patient updates during a visit, meaning they have to spend more admin time in the office updating records, taking away time available for the patient.
Many schools also struggle with aging devices and obsolete software that can’t keep up with modern educational needs, which can impact the effective delivery of education.
Our Tech Devices – Link 4 Framework Agreement can support you to quickly and compliantly source the latest devices and technology, enabling you to implement the latest systems or utilise refurbished equipment to enhance efficiency.
Framework Agreement Information
The framework agreement provides a compliant route to source the latest consumer-oriented technologies that meet customer requirements across a range of ICT hardware categories. Products include laptops and notebooks, tablets, desktop devices, healthcare related IT hardware such as workstations on wheels, clinical reporting monitors, infection control products, printers and scanners, and refurbished and remanufactured IT goods.
Tech Devices – Link 4 complements Digital Workplace Solutions, which is designed to cover enterprise and end-to-end solutions including infrastructure and software.
What dates is the framework agreement active?
01 April 2025 – 31 March 2028
(with the option to extend until 31 March 2029)
Who can take advantage of the framework agreement?
NHS and wider public sector organisations
How was the framework agreement procured?
Further competition and direct award
Via this framework agreement, you can run a further competition, or choose to direct award to a supplier in compliance with Regulation 33 of the Public Contracts Regulations.
How we can support?
We offer different levels of support, including SME advice and robust templates for you to easily run your own process, or additional support to design and run a further competition on your behalf.
How can I access the framework agreement?
Access framework agreement documentation via our Customer Framework Agreement Portal (CFAP)
The framework agreement has been structured in the following lots:
Throughout the lots, sustainable IT, deployment and support services are available
What are the benefits of using this framework agreement?
SUPPORTS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Upgrading outdated hardware enables digital transformation, the implementation or upgrade of EPR systems and reduces downtime caused by legacy systems, enhancing staff productivity. It also enables the delivery of remote and community-based care.
SAVINGS ON MAINTENANCE COSTS
‘Device as a service’ or lease options available to allow you to access technology and related services on a recurring cost basis, instead of purchasing them outright, allowing you save on total cost ownership and maintenance costings.
MODERN IT SYSTEMS
Features hardware specifications that are upgraded throughout the life of the framework agreement, ensuring access to the latest models for customers.
REFURBISHED GOODS
Sustainable solutions available with a dedicated lot for refurbished and remanufactured devices, which support net zero goals and help reduce electronic waste and carbon footprint while offering cost-effective alternatives.
COST SAVINGS
Cost savings through economies of scale, avoiding duplication of effort, and sharing the costs of programme management, procurement and support.
SUPPORTS LORD DARZI'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Supports Lord Darzi’s recommendations, allowing the NHS to quickly procure modern IT infrastructure that enables them to benefit from digital systems to transform care.
Supplier Details
Find out what the press had to say about the framework agreement
National Health Executive
New framework launched to modernise NHS hardware
Digital Health
NHS SBS launches £1.5bn framework to upgrade NHS hardware
Health Business
NHS SBS launches IT framework
Contract Award Notice
Strategic Procurement Support
If this framework agreement doesn’t cover the goods or services you require, or a framework agreement isn’t the optimal route to market for your needs, we can provide tailored strategic procurement support. Find out more here.
