Tech Devices - Link 4
Framework Description
Tech Devices – Link 4 (SBS10515) is an NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement for end-user technology hardware. It started on 1 April 2025 and runs to 31 March 2028, with an option to extend to 31 March 2029. Four lots cover mainstream devices and peripherals, specialist healthcare IT hardware, print and scan equipment, and refurbished or remanufactured kit. It is a conventional framework with a fixed supplier list, not a DPS. This framework is used by NHS Shared Business Services and NHS North of England.
Context & Use Case
NHS trusts and other public sector bodies call off from Link 4 when refreshing IT estates or rolling out electronic patient record systems, both of which need large volumes of devices and peripherals. Buyers can choose purchasing models such as device-as-a-service and leasing, and can source refurbished equipment to meet sustainability targets. Call-offs are made by direct award or further competition.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Tech devices, peripherals and associated services Lot 2: Specialist healthcare related IT hardware Lot 3: Printing and scanning devices Lot 4: Refurbished and remanufactured devices
Lots
Lot 1: Tech devices, peripherals and associated services Lot 2: Specialist healthcare related IT hardware Lot 3: Printing and scanning devices Lot 4: Refurbished and remanufactured devices
Who Can Apply
It suits IT hardware resellers, manufacturers, specialist healthcare IT providers, print and scan suppliers and refurbishers. The supplier list was fixed at award, so suppliers not already appointed cannot join during the term. The next opportunity is the re-tender, likely as the term ends on 31 March 2028 or, if the extension is used, 31 March 2029.
Buyer Benefits
Trusts get one route for everything from laptops to clinical-grade hardware and printers, so a whole device refresh can be bought without separate tenders. Leasing and device-as-a-service spread capital costs, and the refurbished lot gives buyers a practical way to cut carbon and e-waste. Suppliers who can deliver at volume and to fixed rollout dates stand out.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should watch for further competitions from NHS trusts and keep pricing, stock and leasing options current. Other suppliers should read the framework page on the NHS SBS website to understand the lot structure, then plan for the re-tender around 31 March 2028, or 31 March 2029 if the extension is taken. Start collecting case studies of NHS device rollouts now so the evidence is ready.
How Athena Can Help
If you are already on Link 4, Athena's bid management team can help you win further competitions from trusts, with win themes built around NHS device rollouts, scoring analysis against likely rivals and pricing for leasing or as-a-service models.
If you missed the first award, we can plan for the re-tender now through our framework registration service, preparing case studies, policies and certificates well before it opens, and give bid/no-bid advice on which of the four lots suits your range.
