Water Coolers 20-21

    APUC
    Owner Category: Universities
    Category: Food & Catering
    DPS: No
    End Date: 07/06/2025
    Extension: Not Known

    Introduction

    The Water Coolers 20-21 framework, managed by Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC), is designed to streamline the procurement of water cooling solutions across universities and other educational institutions in the UK. Operating as a framework agreement rather than a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), this framework offers a pre-defined selection of suppliers and products, ensuring that institutions can efficiently access quality water coolers until its end date on 7th June 2025. The primary objective of this framework is to facilitate the procurement of water coolers in a manner that supports sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with public sector procurement standards.

    Context & Use Case

    Water coolers play an essential role in maintaining hydration and promoting health within educational environments. Universities and colleges, as dynamic hubs of activity, require reliable access to water cooling facilities to support both students and staff. The Water Coolers 20-21 framework is tailored to meet these needs, providing a structured procurement route that alleviates the need for individual institutions to conduct separate tendering processes. By utilising this framework, educational institutions benefit from a streamlined procurement process that ensures consistency in quality and service, while also aligning with sustainability goals through the use of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions.

    Scope of Services

    The Water Coolers 20-21 framework encompasses a range of services and products that are integral to the provision of water cooling facilities. Typical offerings under this framework include: 1. Supply of bottled and mains-fed water coolers suitable for various institutional settings. 2. Installation services for both bottled and plumbed-in water cooler systems. 3. Maintenance and repair services to ensure the continued functionality and hygiene of water cooler units. 4. Provision of consumables such as water bottles and cups. 5. Options for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling systems that align with institutional sustainability objectives.

    Who Can Apply

    The framework is open to suppliers who specialise in water cooling solutions and have the capability to provide high-quality products and services to the education sector. Suitable suppliers will have experience in delivering similar solutions within public sector environments and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and customer service. While this is not a Dynamic Purchasing System, meaning applications are not open beyond the initial tender period, interested suppliers should monitor for future opportunities when the framework is due for renewal or re-tendering.

    Buyer Benefits

    For public sector buyers, particularly universities and colleges, the Water Coolers 20-21 framework offers numerous advantages. It simplifies the procurement process by providing a compliant and pre-approved list of suppliers, thereby reducing administrative burdens. The framework ensures a swift route to market, allowing institutions to respond quickly to their water cooling needs. Furthermore, it fosters competition among suppliers, which can lead to cost savings and improved service delivery. By using this framework, institutions can be assured of compliance with public procurement regulations and benefit from the assurance of quality and reliability in the products and services procured.

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    Next Steps

    Suppliers interested in participating in the Water Coolers 20-21 framework should conduct a thorough review of the framework's requirements and specifications. It is advisable to contact APUC directly to discuss potential opportunities and understand any forthcoming tenders or framework renewals. Keeping abreast of developments in this framework will enable suppliers to effectively position themselves for future participation.

    How Biddable Can Help

    Biddable supports suppliers by providing comprehensive insights into public sector procurement opportunities such as the Water Coolers 20-21 framework. Our services focus on helping suppliers discover relevant frameworks, prepare necessary documentation, and maintain visibility over their procurement pipeline. By leveraging our expertise, suppliers can enhance their readiness and responsiveness to public sector bidding opportunities, ensuring they are well-positioned for success.