Call: Framework for provision of IT End User Devices

Buyer: European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (Reading UK, Bologna IT, Bonn DE)

Deadline  Oct 15

Description: The purpose of this ITT is for ECMWF to set up of a framework with a restricted pool of suppliers who will be invited to compete for future purchase lots of end user devices.

For the purpose of this ITT, ECMWF defines End User Devices (EUD) as, a laptop/MacBook, tablet, mobile phone, keyboard, touchpad/mouse, webcam, headset, screen, laptop stand, external SSD, cables/connectors and power supplies or chargers.

The initial framework will be for four years with the possibility of two extensions, each for one year.

ECMWF, based in Reading, UK, with additional locations in Bologna, Italy, and Bonn, Germany, employs about 500 staff from over 30 countries. The centre provides its staff with EUDs for daily tasks.

Details: This ITT aims to select vendors capable of supplying EUDs from various manufacturers.

ECMWF replaces EUD as needed, making it difficult to estimate the amount of EUD required for each year. Typically, the quantity varies from a few dozen to a hundred, depending on the number of new staff, faulty devices, and the usual refresh of the EUD.

ECMWF recently selected the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G5 and MacBook Pro 14 as standard Windows and macOS laptops, respectively. iPhones 15 are currently the standard mobile phones issued to staff members. ECMWF also purchases all EUD peripherals as given above, from brands such as Logitech, LG, Samsung Apple and Philips and maintains the same equipment across all sites.

While maintaining brand and model standards is important, ECMWF reserves the right to specify different brands and models in future lots. Additionally, specific high-performance or graphical requirements may lead to requests for alternative configurations.

ECWMF buys EUD with extended support services (such as AppleCare+ or Lenovo Premier Support Plus). Tenderers must clearly confirm which of the three countries (UK, Germany and Italy) they can provide EUD with this warranty scheme.