Technical and Purchasing Considerations

A new 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.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/technology-infrastructure/presenting-in-the-classroom/

A new Projector Procurement Framework has been put in place to make it easier for schools/ETBs to purchase high quality, fit for purpose projectors from approved quality providers.

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 them is using the framework to purchase projectors, to support high quality ‘Presenting in the Classroom’ options.

For more information click here.

Laptop/Notebook Framework: Schools can simply order laptops from PFH, without having to seek quotes from other suppliers.  (This is possible as there is a contract in place with PFH at the prices shown below.) Standard and higher spec versions of laptops are available.

– To order laptops contact PFH (www.pfh.ie) at education@pfh.ie

– Laptops include Windows 10 Pro OS, 3 Year Next Business Day onsite warranty

a) Standard Spec Laptop (15 Inch screen), (from PFH)
Model: Lenovo E15 Standard Spec
AMD Ryzen 3 4300U quad-core processor, 8GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD), Wifi (802.11ax), 2 USB ports, Integrated Graphics, HDMI & VGA interfaces, 15.6 Inch HD Screen (1920 x1080), Webcam. Cost: €445.00 (€547.35 including VAT at 23%)

b) Higher Spec Laptop (14 Inch screen) , (from PFH)
Model: Lenovo L14 High Spec
AMD Ryzen 3 4450U quad-core processor, 8GB DDR4 Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive (SSD), Wifi (802.11ax), 2 USB ports, Integrated Graphics, HDMI & VGA interfaces, 14 Inch HD Screen (1920 x1080), Webcam. Cost: €525.00 (€645.75 including VAT at 23%)

Desktop PC availability/Framework Status: Due to a price increase from the previous approved supplier, there are no Desktop PCs available via the current framework. OGP are currently finalising a tender process to approve a new supplier for Desktop PCs. When this process is finalised, we’ll add the updated details here. We expect this to be in place in early to mid May.

For guidance on PCs or Laptops for schools, please contact us at ictadvice@pdst.ie

Approved Desktops and Laptops are available for Design and Communications Graphics (DCG).

The new approved supplier for DCG Desktops is PFH Technology Group.

The approved supplier for DCG Laptops is Datapac.

Order Form, NAGSF form and queries for DCG Desktops 

The order form should be completed and emailed to PFH.

Order Form for DCG Lenovo Desktop PC is available at: DCG-DesktopPC-Order-Form-PFH

The NAGSF form for the DCG Lenovo PC is available at:  NAGSF-Form-DCG

DCG Desktops related queries on orders, leadtimes etc., can be emailed to jahern@pfh.ie

Order Form, NAGSF form and queries for DCG Laptops

The order form should be completed and emailed to Datapac

The Order Form for the DCG HP Laptop is available here:

The NAGSF form for the DCG HP Laptop is available here:

DCG Laptop related queries on orders, leadtimes etc., can be emailed to adeegan@datapac.com

The Approved DCG Tower Specification and Costs:
Model: Lenovo Thinkstation P360 Tower PC
This includes:
Solidworks 2021/2022 CAD software is pre-installed
Intel Core i5-12400 processor, 4.4 GHz, 6 Cores, 64 bit, 7.5MB L2 Cache
Microsoft Windows 10 Professional OS (64 bit)
16GB Memory (2 x 8GB DDR5)
500GB SSD Drive, (for faster performance and reliability)
Internal CD/DVD combo drive
NVIDIA Quadro T1000 4GB Graphics, certified by Solidworks. Resolution (1920 x 1080)
9 x USB ports (5 front, 4 rear); RJ-45 LAN Gigabit, Audio in/out ports
1 x headphones/microphone, 2 x DisplayPort, 4 x MiniDisplayport, 1 x HDMI
Full Size USB Mouse, QWERTY keyboard with euro symbol and numeric keypad.
22 inch TFT Monitor, height and tilt adjustable, HDMI and Displayport

Warranty: 3 year Next Business Day Onsite, parts and labour (provided as standard)
Mini-Tower Cost: €1,039 including 22 inch monitor (Ex VAT); €1,277.97 (incl VAT)
Additional options are listed on the Order Form

The Approved DCG Laptop Specification and Costs:

Model: HP Zbook Power, 15.5 Inch, G8 Mobile Workstation

This includes:

Solidworks 2021 Education Edition is pre-installed

Intel Core i7-11800H 2.3GHz processor, 8 Cores, 64 bit, 24MB Level 3 Cache

Microsoft Windows 10 Professional OS (64 bit)

15.6 Inch, HD Webcam

16GB Memory (2 x 8GB DDR4)

500GB SSD Drive, (for faster performance and reliability)

NVIDIA T1200 4GB Graphics Card. Certified by Solidworks. Resolution (1920 x 1080)

Wifi 6: 802.11ax ; Bluetooth 5

Gigabit LAN Ethernet (RJ45) port;

4 x USB (1 x Type-C Thunderboltt; 3 x Type A)

1 x headphones/microphone, HDMI

Keypad: Qwerty including number pad;

6 Cell longlife battery; Weight 1.89kg

Warranty: 3 year Next Business Day Onsite including parts and labour

Laptop Cost: €1,144.25 (ex Vat) (€1,407.43 including VAT at 23%).

Additional options are listed on the Order Form.

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@pdst.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 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 (AUE) date of 2028 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@pdst.ie using the template below:

To: appleframework@pdst.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@pdst.ie

Hybrid devices can be used in both laptop and tablet mode, as they have either a fold around or a detachable keyboard. Compared to laptops they generally have less powerful processors and less storage, typically 128GB. The following two devices can be ordered from suppliers without seeking other quotes.

HP ProBook x360 11G5 EE, Hybrid device with fold-around screen.
Windows 10 Professional; 11.6 Inch touchscreen, Graphics 1366x 768
Processor: Intel Celeron Quadcore N4120/1.1GHz(2.6GHz)/4MB Cache
Memory: 8GB DDR4; Storage: 128GB Solid State Drive(SSD)
Ports: 2 USB ports, LAN port: Gigibit Ethernet, HDMI port.
Wifi: 802.11ac.ax; Bluetooth 5.0; Front facing camera
Battery Life: 653 Minutes; Weight 1.44Kg
Warranty: 3 Year Collect and/or Return
Cost: €407 (ex Vat); €500.61; (incl’ VAT at 23%)
To order contact Datapac (www.datapac.com) at schoolsetb@datapac.com

Microsoft Surface Go 2, Hybrid device with detachable fold-around keyboard
Windows 10 Professional;10.5 Inch touchscreen, Graphics 1920×1280
Processor: Intel Core m3-8100Y (Dual Core), 4MB Cache
Memory: 8GB DDR4; Storage: 128GB Solid State Drive(SSD)
Ports: 3 USB ports, including USB-C for Power.
Wifi: 802.11ac.ax; Bluetooth 5.0; Front and rear facing cameras
Battery Life: 461 Minutes ; Weight 789g
Warranty: 3 Year Next Business day onsite
Cost: €666 (ex VAT); €819.18 (incl’ VAT at 23%)
To order contact Wriggle (www.wriggle.ie) at maureen@wrigglelearning.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@pdst.ie

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

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