The Schedule of Frameworks and Arrangements sets out the ongoing EPS service delivery plan and provides details of when key contracts and frameworks will be available for use by public sector bodies. The schedule does not refer to the timing of procurement activity (e.g. market analysis, publication of Requests-for-Tender etc.) that is undertaken prior to any contract award or framework establishment.

This Schedule has been published to inform public sector bodies and suppliers of the ongoing prioritisation of categories and sub-categories of expenditure.  All EPS procurement activity is conducted through the eTenders platform, etenders.gov.ie, where all relevant tender information will be available.

The documents below give a high level overview of current EPS arrangements in place. For full details of all central arrangements and supporting documentation and templates go to https://ogp.gov.ie/. Contact support@ogp.gov.ie with any queries.

VIEW CURRENT FRAMEWORKS & ARRANGEMENTS

Public Sector Clients

The EPS supports the education sector’s sourcing needs by delivering high-quality solutions that achieve value for money. Recognising that each client has unique requirements, we design our central arrangements and contracts to be flexible, user-friendly, and adaptable to a wide range of needs. 

EPS frameworks and DPS streamline the procurement process by reducing the time and cost typically associated with sourcing activities. Each arrngement is established through a competitive and compliant tendering process, ensuring full adherence to procurement regulations. By using these arrangements, public sector clients can be confident in meeting their governance and performance obligations, while significantly reducing administrative effort. 

Suppliers

The EPS takes a balanced approach to delivering value for the taxpayer and supports SME access to public procurement by:

• Undertaking market analysis prior to tendering in order to better understand the range of goods and services on offer; market developments and innovation; what commercial models are available; the competitive landscape; and the specific capabilities of SMEs etc.
• Setting proportionate eligibility requirements, for example insurance and turnover, to support SME participation.
• Breaking tendering competitions into smaller lots (for example, by sector, region, value etc.) where possible to actively encourage SME participation and to align with the capacity and capability of the marketplace.
• Actively engaging in a range of events to help foster awareness of and to encourage engagement in the public procurement process.
• Supporting supplier awareness of eTenders, the national tendering platform (etenders.gov.ie)

By ensuring our processes are open, transparent and fair, the EPS delivers quality sourcing solutions in accordance with EU and Irish laws.