Technical and Purchasing Considerations

This Interactive Flat Panel (IFP) Procurement Framework and User Guide have been put in place to make it easier for schools/ETBs to purchase high quality, fit for purpose IFPs from approved quality providers.

For more on this go to: https://www.oidetechnologyineducation.ie/technology-infrastructure/presenting-in-the-classroom/

This Projector Procurement Framework was put in place to make it easier for schools/ETBs to purchase high quality, fit for purpose projectors from approved quality providers. The framework has been extended up to March 2026.

Five types of projectors are included, including Portable/Long Throw, Ultra Short-throw (both interactive and non-interactive), Laser Projectors (high quality, long lifespan), and High Lumens (for school halls or larger areas).

We’ve developed a Projector Framework User Guide for schools/ETBs and other clients, to assist in using the framework to purchase projectors, to support high quality ‘Presenting in the Classroom’ options.

For more information and the User Guide  click here

Notebook and Desktop PC Frameworks:
Schools can simply order Notebooks and Desktop PCs from ‘Total ICT Services’, without having to seek quotes from other suppliers. This is possible as there is a ‘Direct Drawdown’ contract in place between OGP and ‘Total ICT Services’.
The Notebook and Desktop PC procurement frameworks are in place until at least July’ 2025, but may be extended further after that date.

To order devices go to Total ICT Services Website: https://www.ictmarketplace.ie/
You’ll first need to download NAGSF form Lot 1, then complete and return it to Total ICT Services.
If you need any clarifications please contact ogp@ictservices.ie

Latest Notebook Versions:
Standard and Lightweight Notebook: 14 Inch Screen
Model: Dell Latitude 5450
Windows 11 Pro (64Bit)
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor (12 MB cache, 12 cores, up to 4.3 GHz Turbo)
16GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD), Wifi 6 (802.11ax)
Webcam; Displayport, USB-C, USB and RJ-45 interfaces.
Integrated Graphics, HD Screen (1920 x1080), non-touch screen
5 Year Next Business Day On-Site, full parts and labour cover, hard disk retention (ie keep your hard drive)
Costs: €651.58 (Ex VAT); €801.44 (incl’ VAT)

Ultraportable Notebook: 13.3 Inch Screen
Model: Dell Latitude 5350
Windows 11 Pro (64Bit)
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor (12 MB cache, 12 cores, up to 4.3 GHz Turbo)
16GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD), Wifi 6 (802.11ax)
Webcam; Displayport, USB-C, USB and RJ-45 interfaces.
Integrated Graphics, HD Screen (1920 x1080), non-touch screen
5 Year Next Business Day On-Site, full parts and labour cover, hard disk retention (ie keep your hard drive)
Costs: €884.21 (Ex VAT); €1,087.58 (incl’ VAT)

Notebook Options: (at additional cost):
Rucksack style carry case
Display/Monitors: A range of TFT flat screen display/monitors are available from 21.5 up to 32 inch
A Laptop Docking Station
USB wired and wireless mouse options
Check for other options.

Latest Desktop PC Versions:
Standard Desktop PC (Note: Does not include monitor)
Model: Dell OptiPlex 7020, Small form Factor (SFF), 30cm x 30cm x 10cm approx
Windows 11 Pro (64Bit)
Intel i5-14500v (24MB cache, 14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz Turbo, 65W)
16GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD), TPM 2.0
Integrated Graphics; HDMI, HDMI and Displayport, USB-C, USB and RJ-45 interfaces
Minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080
Full size keyboard, USB optical mouse
5 Year Next Business Day On-Site, full parts and labour cover, hard disk retention (ie keep your hard drive)
Costs: €525.26 (Ex VAT); €646.07 (incl’ VAT)

Mini Desktop PC (Note: Does not include monitor)
Model: Dell OptiPlex 7020 Micro Plus
Note this is a very small ‘VESA Mountable’ Mini PC, 18cm x 18cm x 4cm approx
Windows 11 Pro (64Bit)
Intel i5-14500v (24MB cache, 14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz Turbo, 65W)
16GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD), TPM 2.0
Integrated Graphics; HDMI, 3 Mini Displayports, USB-C, USB and RJ-45 interfaces.
Minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080
Full size keyboard, USB optical mouse
5 Year Next Business Day On-Site, full parts and labour cover, hard disk retention (ie keep your hard drive)
Costs: €605.26 (Ex VAT); €744.47 (incl’ VAT)

Additional Options:
Display/Monitors: A range of TFT flat screen high quality HD display/monitors are available from 21.5 up to 32 inch.
Other options such as additional memory or storage are available, check for specifics and costs.

For additional guidance on Notebooks and PCs for schools, please contact us at ictadvice@oide.ie

The previous framework for Design and Communications Graphics (DCG) Desktops and Notebooks/Laptops has expired, so we’re just completing our latest procurement process for new approved Desktops and Notebooks for DCG. These new devices are expected to be available to order from approx’ Wednesday 23rd April.

The details and contracts for new DCG Desktops and Notebooks are currently being finalised. Following this the updated details will be added to our website so that orders can be placed by schools and/or ETBs with approved suppliers.

Funding the purchase of DCG Computers: There is no ‘DCG-specific ICT Grant’. All ICT schools funding (apart from new school builds) is made available via the annual General ICT Grants. For more on this click here:

Chromebooks are fit for purpose devices and are increasingly popular with schools to support teaching and learning, with an ever growing number of schools purchasing them in recent years.

The Chromebook Purchasing Framework which had been in place for schools for a number of years has expired, and so is no longer available for use. If considering purchasing Chromebooks we offer the following advice.

We suggest that schools use the following easy to use technical template to seek quotes from suppliers. If schools need additional guidance they can email us at ictadvice@oide.ie 

Subject: Seeking Quotes for Chromebooks

Dear Supplier,

Please quote for [add number] Chromebooks of the specification below, and other specified options.

Chromebook Specification:

• Operating System – latest Chrome OS required
• Minimum 4GB memory (RAM)
• Minimum 64GB SSD storage
• Minimum 8 hour battery life (ie., 480 Mins) to last a full school day, without needing recharge
• Minimum of 2 USB-C ports, plus connection to external monitor, Bluetooth 4.1
• Camera, Microphone
• Warranty: A minimum of 1 year warranty
• A robust design suitable for a demanding school environment
• Standard non-touch screen
• Screen must be robust and use ‘Gorilla’ or equivalent glass to reduce risk of damage.
• Screen size –  minimum 11 Inch, maximum of 14 Inch (change as required)

Chromebook AUE:

School requires Chromebooks to have a Google Auto Update Expiry (AUE) date of 2033 or later, to ensure that Chromebooks will receive updates up to at least that date. For more on this go to:

https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en

Chromebook Management Licenses:

To make it easier to manage devices  please quote for the ‘one-time cost’ of supplying a Chromebook management license for each device.

References from other Schools

Suppliers should provide contact details of schools that have already purchased Chromebooks from them and who could provide positive references.

The Closing Date for responses is [add date] (4-5 working days from issuing email)  

[add school contact details]

Other Options:

Schools can choose to include or exclude the following options:

1. Touch screen version (ie as the standard version is non touch)
2. Additional warranty (eg 2 or 3 year)
3. Other relevant options

Setting up devices:

Please quote for setting up devices in the school. This should include advice on how to manage devices to support teaching and learning. Please provide details on what services can be provided to the school in this area.

Chromebook Trolley: for storing, moving & charging devices 

Trolley and charging options should be as flexible as possible to accommodate different type of Chromebooks.

Ideally Trolleys should have device ‘baskets’ so that devices can be more easily distributed in classrooms

Other Services/ Eg., Training

Please outline other services that can be provided to schools, such as training, online resources or courses, and provide a quote for these.

Trade-Ins

Confirm if there are any trade-in options or discounts for older/obsolete models that the school may currently have.

Using iPads in a school is totally different that using an iPad as a personal device. When purchasing iPads for their school, we therefore recommend that schools use IT suppliers that specialise in working with schools, as there are many aspects of using iPads in a school that expert support is required. This approach can prevent schools from making significant mistakes, and save significant time in how they manage iPads in their school.

There’s an Apple devices purchasing framework in place for schools. It has two suppliers, Wriggle and Select (formerly CompuB), who a both experts in this area, so there’s no need to seek other quotes when using this framework.

Wriggle: https://www.wriggle.ie/home

Select:  https://ie.selectonline.com/

To seek quotations for iPads send an email to appleframework@oide.ie using the template below:

To: appleframework@oide.ie

Subject: Seeking Quotes for iPads

Dear Supplier,

Please quote for [add number] of iPads (9^th Generation), of the specification below, and other specified options.

iPad Specification:

• Operating System – latest iPadOS
• 10.2 Inch Touchscreen,
• 3GB memory (RAM), 64GB SSD storage
• 8 Megapixel camera, 10 Hour battery
• A minimum 1 year warranty.

Other Options:

Schools can choose to include or exclude the following options:

Please quote for the following options:

1. Protective Case –  A suitable robust protective case for iPads
2. Additional warranty options (including 2 and 3 year options) that can be provided
3. Higher capacity storage option  (128GB/256GB)
4. Suitable keyboard options
5. Trade-ins against older / obsolete models

Other Services, Training

1. Setting up all iPads, adding a list of school apps, so that apps can be synchronised on all devices
2. Training options, including online resources and courses

Please quote for: iPad Case or Trolley (with wheels) for storing, charging and moving iPads. Provide details on available options.

References from other Schools

Suppliers should provide contact details of schools that have already purchased iPads from them and who could provide positive references.

The Closing Date for responses is [add date]

NOTE: iPad Management

Apple recommends Apple School Manager (ASM), a web based portal,  for central management of devices, apps and users in a school. ASM allows schools to create a Managed Apple ID for managing students and staff . It allows the ICT Administrator to manage services such as App Store/iTunes downloads etc.  This is normally done in conjunction with an MDM (Mobile Device Management) system e.g. Jamf which allows schools to “push” apps to devices, manage permissions, cameras etc on devices.  There is an annual licence fee for this MDM  (generally per device).

To enrol schools can go to https://school.apple.com/#enrollment and follow the steps.  Alternatively schools can engage the services of a suitable Apple reseller or third party to register on their behalf and set up devices.  Some of these companies can then provide training to the school Apple devices Administrator so that looking forward they themselves can manage the devices, users etc. Schools can request this service in your ‘request for quotes’ under ‘other services’ above.

For additional guidance schools can email us at ictadvice@oide.ie

The WiFi purchasing framework that had been in place for 4 years, and which many schools and ETBs successfully used to procure WiFi, expired in 2020.

If you are considering purchasing and installing suitable Wifi in your school and are seeking seeking objective guidance, including technical guidance, please email us at ictadvice@oide.ie

If schools need guidance or support on other digital equipment or infrastructure, please email us at ictadvice@oide.ie 

All ICT related purchases must be in compliance with public procurement procedures.

Public Procurement Thresholds (updated in 2024) are available here:

Where possible existing ICT procurement frameworks should be used as they simplify the purchasing process for schools.

Schools should contact the Schools Procurement Unit (SPU) for further procurement related information and supports.

An overview of public procurement guidelines for goods and services can be accessed here:

In relation to ‘Green procurement’ please refer to the EPA Green Public Procurement: Guidance for the Public Sector, specifically Section 5.2 ‘ICT Products and Services’ at the following link: