The State procures a wide range of goods and services from everyday office supplies to complex assets such as vehicle fleets and specialised medical equipment. This spend now amounts  to over €20 billion annually. Given this scale of investment, it is essential that the Public Service operates in a coordinated, efficient manner that delivers sustainable value for money for the taxpayer.

The Education Procurement Service (EPS) is the education sector’s sourcing hub, delivering compliant, professional procurement solutions across Ireland’s public sector.

EPS is responsible for sourcing in the areas of Laboratory and Research Diagnostics, Services and Equipment, Library Goods and Services and Agriculture and Veterinary Goods and Services to the public sector.

In addition, EPS is responsible for supporting the implementation of national procurement policies and procedures in the education sector and providing for its specific sourcing requirements.

As a Central Purchasing Body, EPS leads national sourcing in key categories

Laboratory, Diagnostics, Services & Equipment

• Lab Services
• Lab/Research Gases
• High Value Lab Equipment & Systems
• Lab Consumables & Low Value Lab Equipment
• Hazardous Waste
• Bulk Chemicals
• Life Sciences, Reagents & Customised Products

Agriculture & Veterinary

• Livestock
• Feed
• Consumables
• Equipment
• Services
• Supplies
• Veterinary

Library

• Books
• eBooks
• Hardcopy Journals & Periodicals
• On-line Journals & Periodicals
• Databases
• Educational materials
• Services

Education Sector

EPS supports the education sector by providing coordinated procurement services, guidance, and practical tools to help organisations meet their purchasing needs efficiently and in line with national requirements.

We do this by:

• Managing sourcing processes for sector-specific goods and services
• Providing access to centrally negotiated contracts and approved suppliers
• Supporting compliance with national procurement policies and procedures
• Offering guidance and advice through dedicated procurement contacts
• Developing templates, tools, and resources to support procurement planning and delivery
• Promoting consistency and collaboration across the education sector
• Using data and engagement to identify needs and inform future procurement priorities

By working closely with education bodies, EPS helps ensure procurement is efficient, compliant, and delivers value for money.

Our Education Clients

Procurement is a key element of the Government’s Public Service Reform Programme.

Education spends approximately €1 billion on goods and services annually and it is essential that this money is spent in a way that achieves maximum value for money, adheres to government policy, national guidelines and EU directives for procurement, while providing a sustainable delivery of services for the taxpayer. Procurement is a central component of the Government’s Public Service Reform agenda and represents a significant proportion of overall public expenditure.

Third Level

Most higher education institutions (HEI’s) will have a Procurement & Contracts Office (PCO) where you can find information on current contracts, frameworks and arrangements and support for your procurement requirements.

Check the OGP website for procurement updates, links, and Schedule of frameworks and contracts. Register as a Buyer for buyer login to access contracts/FWAs/Arrangements.

Department Circulars relating to procurement are issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and previously the Department of Finance. You will find updates to Circulars here.

The Department of Education has a dedicated Procurement section on their website.

You will also find information on Circulars and procurement on eTenders.

At EPS, we are committed to delivering excellence, strengthening procurement capability, and shaping a smarter, more collaborative future for education.