Cheaper hardware and IT services could be on the way to Whitehall

HMRC wants a framework deal for BlackBerrys

Government departments could get access to lower-cost hardware and IT services through a new purchasing agreement being considered by Whitehall buying agency the OGCbuying.solutions (OGC) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The two organisations are looking at the possibility of collaboratively developing a framework agreement for HMRC that would be available to other areas of the public sector.

They are inviting suppliers to get in touch with suggestions on how they could contribute.

The agreement will include supplying BlackBerrys, software maintenance and management, printers, CCTV services, other communication services and consultancy services.

Traditionally, framework agreements cover hardware and software purchases but not IT services.

The new agreement is hoped to be in place by February 2010.

The document is not an official request to tender but an opportunity for suppliers to engage, said the organisations.

"Our aim is to produce a framework…that offers the use of the knowledge, skills and expertise available from suppliers in putting solutions together in a cost-conscious environment to drive both the use of goods and services and the delivery of value for money," reads the unofficial tender request on the EU tenders web site.

OGCbuying.solutions said in a statement:

"This is a Request for Information from the supply base. The resulting analysis of this RFI [request for information] will inform our procurement policy. At this stage, it is too early to specify the effect on other framework agreements. We are exploring collaborative opportunities with HMRC."