IPPN

National Procurement Service (NPS) contracts are valid, but there is no mandatory requirement for schools to source their goods or services from NPS list of suppliers. However, schools are reminded that it is government policy that public bodies, where possible, should make use of all such central arrangements.

There is an obligation on schools to maximize the value for money achievable when procuring for schools and NPS suppliers can be used as a base for price comparison if schools are negotiating with local suppliers.

Where schools do not utilise central procurement frameworks, proper procurement procedures should be followed and schools should be in a position to provide a value for money justification. Value for money justifications should take into account the full costs of running a public procurement competition.

Any queries in relation to NPS can be addressed to their helpdesk which can be contacted at nps@opw.ie.