Musical Instrument, Equipment and Technology Framework

The Department for Education (DfE) has set up a Musical Instrument, Equipment and Technology Framework. This notice is to notify the market that the Department has now awarded the Framework Agreement Contracts.

Background:

As part of the National Plan for Music Education (NPME), the Department announced £25m of capital funding for musical instruments and equipment, and technology where it is used specifically for music-making purposes and to benefit children and young people. The intention of this fund is to increase the volume, range, and accessibility of the instruments, equipment, and technology available – including those with special educational needs or disabilities – and supporting Music Hubs to deliver against the aims expressed for them in the NPME.

To facilitate purchases made using the capital grant funding, the Department is setting up a supplier framework and seeks a range of suppliers including SME’s who are capable of sourcing and supplying a wide range of musical instruments, equipment and technology.

The framework contract will be for a period of three years. Music Hub Lead Organisations (HLOs) will be able to spend the capital grant funding over two academic years, from September 2024-August 2026. Use of the Framework is mandatory, for all purchases made using the capital grant funding, unless an exceptional circumstance applies. Other education organisations will also be entitled to utilise the Framework, for any purchases they may need.

The Framework will be split into the following three Lots;-

Lot 1 - Acoustic Instruments (including Adaptive Instruments): Acoustic instruments that do not require electricity, amplification, or technology to produce a sound. This includes acoustic instruments which have been specifically developed or adapted for use by children and young people with SEND.

Lot 2 - Amplified, Electric and Digital Musical Instruments: Instruments and equipment that produce or modify sound through electric, electronic, or digital means. This includes items which have been specifically developed or adapted for use by children and young people with SEND.

Lot 3 - Other technology and equipment used to enable or support music-making: Additional equipment and software needed to produce, amplify, augment, or record sound, or in other ways support children and young people (including those with SEND) to create and perform music. This includes additional equipment, accessories, or software that can be used in conjunction with, or to support the use of, items outlined in other Lots.