Wilson welcomes computer contract for College

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson has welcomed the award of a contract for the supply and delivery of 500 PCs and 80 laptops to the South Eastern Regional College (SERC).

The Minister said it was further evidence of the breadth of opportunities available to local firms for supplies and services for the public sector. He said: "The Central Procurement Directorate within my Department issued this tender competition to those suppliers listed on the Northern Ireland Civil Service IT Hardware Framework, all of whom are based locally in Northern Ireland.

"The contract worth £270,300, was awarded to FMS, Lurgan, a Small to Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) which manufactures all of their machines locally.

Commenting on the benefits of Government framework agreements, the Minister said: "Not only do framework agreements speed up the tendering process and help accelerate procurement spend, they also help deliver cost effective procurement for government and SMEs, as the example of FMS and others demonstrates."

The supply of PCs and laptops will allow SERC to provide technical courses using the latest software products and will enable students to enjoy an enhanced learning experience through the use of modern, faster computing equipment.

Notes to Editors:

1. Details of all up-coming opportunities are available at the Central Procurement Directorate e-sourcing portal at www.e-sourcingni.bravosolution.com or visit www.dfpni.gov.uk for links to all Centres of Procurement Expertise.
2. All those interested in seeking to tender for government opportunities can register their details on the site at no cost.
3. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7278 or 028 9052 27374. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.