Education Technology Managed Services Contract - Northern Ireland

The Education Authority (EA) is seeking a supplier to provide Education Technology Managed Services (ETMS) to replace and modernize the current Education Network for Northern Ireland (ENNI). This integrated service will support over 1,100 schools, 350,000 pupils, 22,000 teachers, and 40,000 non-teaching staff across primary, secondary, special, and nursery schools throughout Northern Ireland. The ETMS comprises five integrated service components: Infrastructure and Network Services (including Integration Services), Identity Services, Security Operations Centre Services, User Experience Services, and Service Management and Service Desk (including Schools Catalogue). The contract will provide secure and efficient technology infrastructure to support teaching and learning across all school types including Controlled Schools, Maintained Schools, Integrated Schools, Grammar Schools, and approved education organizations. Contract Details: The initial term runs from the Effective Date through 31st March 2035 (7 years from the planned transition completion of 31st March 2028), with optional extensions of up to seven one-year periods, potentially extending to 31st March 2042. The estimated contract value over the maximum term is approximately £851 million, including core services (£246m over the initial term) and extensions/optional services (£605m), plus allowances for modifications, inflation, and VAT. Procurement Process: This procurement is being conducted using the Competitive Flexible Procedure, following preliminary market engagement announced on 18th December 2025. Progression to the Tender and Award stages is subject to business case approval from the Department of Education. Suppliers must support EA's social value objectives, with contract performance conditions and award criteria emphasizing social value outcomes.