Issue 31 - 4th May 2010

National Server & Storage Agreement: Sun / Oracle

As some of you may be aware Oracle has bought out Sun who is on the National Server & Storage Agreement (NSSA). Some institutions have received an email from Esteem, who is a Sun re-seller under NSSA, outlining changes that may be in the pipeline with regards to pricing models, warranties and support programs. As yet nothing has been finalised by Oracle / Sun and SUPC have not been approached with any proposed changes to the agreement.

This information was distributed to the Computing Group on 8 April and they will be informed of any further developments as soon as they occur.

Paper price increases

Further to the advance warnings already communicated to the SUPC Stationery Group, members should be advised that price increases on Paper across several frameworks are now imminent. Both Lyreco and Office Depot have increased their paper pricing under the NWPCSS framework, to take effect in May, and increases are in the region of 7%, although specific products are treated differently.

Buying Solutions have just informed us that their paper prices will be increasing by around 12% from the 1st May 2010.

Office Furniture Tender: Quality Testing

An email was sent to Council and the Furniture Group on 19 April regarding the Office Furniture tender. As part of the evaluation a selection of the tenderers products are testing for quality and robustness and this is a vital part of the tender process accounting for 20% of the overall score. This evaluation will take place on Wednesday 26^th May in Southampton between the hours of 10:00 and 15:00 and in the past it has taken volunteers around 2 hours to access all of the products.

To date 11 institutions have offered to assist but if any others can assist it would be much appreciated. If you are able to attend, or if someone else from your institution can come along, then please let Neil Robertson know by Friday 7^th May. (Lunch will be provided.)

General Laboratory Chemicals, Consumables and Minor Equipment Agreement

This agreement has been extended until July 31^st 2010. Notifications have been sent to all bidders regarding the proposed award of the new framework agreement and we are currently in the 10 day standstill period. Full details and user guides of the new agreement will be circulated in June.

TUCO and SNUPI merger

The merger between TUCO and SNUPI creating a combined company has now been agreed. This offers the HE & FE sectors greater procurement power, added value for money to members and reduction in duplication of administration. The merger will bring together combined catering contract values in excess of £75m p/a. Further details can be found at http://www.tuco.org/files/newsletters/21april2010.html

TEC Regional Events

TEC are holding three regional events as listed below. If you wish to register for any of these events you can find more details on their website.

Supporting Sustainability in Education & the Wider Public Sector 9th June 2010 Leeds Metropolitan
TEC Regional Conference (North)

Supporting Sustainability in Education & the Wider Public Sector 22nd June 2010 Bath University
TEC Regional Conference (South West)

Supporting Sustainability in Education & the Wider Public Sector 29th June 2010 Royal Holloway
TEC Regional Conference (London)