Purchasing devices
What is the NSSCF? | Applications | Purchasing devices | Managing the grant | Contacts & resources
Why must schools purchase from the recommended panel of suppliers?
These panels have been mandated by DEECD in accordance with the Commonwealth Government recommendation that bulk purchasing opportunities are achieved with NSSCF grants. Schools must agree to purchase from these panels in a funding agreement letter before the NSSCF funding will be transferred to school accounts.
The panel prices represent best value for money and support the development of a Standard Operating Environment. More information about the panels can be found at:
www.education.vic.gov.au/management/ictsupportservices/ictproducts/default.htm
What is the preferred Student Learning Device?
In order to achieve a 1:1 computer-to-student ratio in Years 9 to 12, the preferred Student Learning Device of DEECD is a Netbook up to a maximum cost of $600 each.
A Netbook device may alternatively be referred to as an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), ultra-mobile notebook or mini-notebook and is of a 10-inch form factor weighing less than 1.5kg.
What are schools able to purchase from the recommended panel of suppliers?
Schools are able to choose from a wide selection of devices and suppliers as part of DEECD’s purchasing panel arrangements. However, schools need to take note of the DEECD’s preferred Student Learning Device of a Netbook up to a maximum cost of $600 each. Notebook product and pricing information can be found at:
www.education.vic.gov.au/management/ictsupportservices/ictproducts/notebooks.htm
Should schools wish to purchase a Student Learning Device at a cost greater than $600, they have the option of co-contributing funds in order to do so.
Do schools need to get quotes from various suppliers before making a purchase using NSSCF funds?
If the purchase is under $1 million, schools may purchase straight off the DEECD Netbook and Notebook Panel without obtaining more than one (1) quote.
Where multiple suppliers are available on the Panel however, schools are advised to seek more than one (1) quote in order to encourage further price competition between those suppliers.
Can schools use NSSCF funds received in the future to reimburse computer purchases made now?
No. Schools must wait until they have their respective Funding Agreements executed by DEECD before making any NSSCF purchases.
Rounds 1, 2 and 2.1 schools have received their funding to purchase devices to move to a 1:2 computer-to-student ratio. Future rounds will provide funding to move all Victorian government schools from a 1:2 computer-to-student ratio to a 1:1 ratio.
What date do schools need to purchase their allocation of NSSCF devices by?
Schools that received funding in Round 1 of the NSSCF must have purchased and installed their allocation of NSSCF devices for this particular round by 30 June 2010 (so as to have achieved a 1:2 computer-to-student ratio by this time).
Schools that received funding in Rounds 2 and/or 2.1 of the NSSCF program must have purchased and installed their allocation of NSSCF devices for these particular rounds by 31 March 2011 (so as to have achieved a 1:2 computer-to-student ratio by this time).
For all other rounds of the NSSCF, schools must have purchased and installed their allocation of NSSCF devices by 31 December 2011. At this point, all schools will have achieved a 1:1 computer-to-student ratio for Year 9 to 12 students.
What can schools do with any residual money after purchasing the allocated number of computers specified in their NSSCF grant?
The funds that remain after purchasing a Student Learning Device are to be used towards the effective deployment and support of that device. This remaining funding comprises a notional allocation for the following:
- Data upgrades (central internet access and servers for data storage).
- Software licensing.
- Furniture / laptop trolleys.
- Electricity costs.
- Security (which may include both physical security upgrades and insurance).
Schools must take these costs into consideration as part of their ICT procurement strategy. Additions to the fleet (in contrast to computers that are replacements for obsolete devices) will be more expensive to support.
Any further remaining funds should be used for ‘risk mitigation’ purposes e.g. as a contribution towards establishing a fleet of ‘replacement’ devices (as deemed appropriate by the school).
Can schools purchase less than the specified number of devices for which they have been funded under the NSSCF?
No. Schools must use NSSCF funds to purchase (and effectively deploy) at a minimum the specified number of devices for which they have received funding.
Is leasing permissible with Round 1, Round 2 and 2.1 funds?
It is a Commonwealth requirement that funds provided under Rounds 1, 2 and 2.1 of the NSSCF are expended within two years. Given this requirement, it is not currently viable for Victorian government schools to lease computers.