Halton Housing Trust (HHT) is a not for profit housing association, who own and manage over 6,700 homes in the Cheshire towns of Widnes and Runcorn. HHT is seeking bids to establish a framework of suppliers to supply IT hardware to HHT. Purchases made under the framework will mainly be for end user IT hardware and peripheral IT items which are expected to include, but not be limited to; tablets, laptops, mobile/smart phones, desktop computers, monitors, projectors, TVs, thin clients, mice, cables and keyboards. From time to time, HHT may also purchase any other IT hardware items under the framework that may be needed to meet the needs of the organisation (e.g. interactive audio visual equipment). The outcome of the tender process will be a 4 year framework agreement expected to commence from March 2017. It is envisaged that the final framework will be awarded to approximately 6 suppliers.

HHT’s vision is to ‘deliver high quality and excellent services for all’. Its’ mission is to ‘provide high quality housing services with a social conscience. Its values are based around both customers and employees.

We provide affordable homes for people who may not have the means to buy or rent a home privately, help people who are homeless and provide support to older or disabled people to help them live independently in their own homes.

Successful framework suppliers must be able to supply a comprehensive range of up to date tablets, smart phones, laptops and desktop computers that come pre-installed with and run the following as their primary operating systems:

- Apple iOS (iOS 9 or higher on both phones and tablets)

- Android OS (Kit-Kat or higher on both phones and tablets)

- Mac OS (OS 10.10 or higher)

- Microsoft Windows (Windows 7 or higher)

- Chrome OS

Whilst the framework will primarily be used for the purchase and delivery of IT hardware, auxiliary services associated with the provision of IT hardware may also be purchased under the framework. These services may include, but not be limited to; hardware installation, configuration, repairs and recycling. From time to time, HHT may also purchase operating system software and licenses from successful suppliers under the framework.

Purchases are expected to mainly be off a product catalogue, the first version of which will be priced by bidders as part of the tender. Products not contained within the catalogue may also be purchased under this framework. More information on the product catalogue is included within the tender documents.

The estimated value over the total framework duration is anticipated to be approximately 180 000 GBP excluding VAT, however this is an estimate only. This is for information only, and no guarantees are given, nor are implied as to the value or quantity of business that will be placed with successful bidders. HHT accepts no liability for any inaccuracies in the estimates provided. HHT reserves the right to vary the volume of orders during the life of the framework. Award of a position on this framework to any supplier does not guarantee any contracts/orders will be awarded to that supplier.

The framework will be available to the following, such that each of the following will be entitled to purchase goods/services from the successful bidders at the discretion of Halton Housing Trust:-

- Halton Housing Trust and all subsidiary undertakings of Halton Housing Trust both current and future

- All parts of any current or future group structure of which Halton Housing Trust is, or may become, a part

- Any entities which fall into either of the following categories and which are permitted by Halton Housing Trust to make particular purchases under the framework from time to time: (a) any joint venture entities (whether companies, limited liability partnerships or otherwise) in which Halton Housing Trust or any subsidiary undertakings of Halton Housing Trust participates from time to time (whether as a shareholder, member or otherwise), (b) other contracting authorities including Registered Providers of Social Housing within England and Wales (as defined by the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008), Registered Social Landlords within Scotland (as defined by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010) and local authorities across the UK.

Full details of the required service can be found within the tender documents and service specification included within the Supporting Information section of the tender.