SSSNA - Servers, Storage & Solutions National Agreement
Framework Description
The Servers, Storage & Solutions National Agreement (SSSNA) is SUPC's framework for data centre hardware in education. It has four lots: Servers; Storage; Solutions covering converged, hyper-converged, hybrid and other systems (excluding HPC and DIC); and Resellers Solutions. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and it runs until 31 January 2027 with no extension option. This framework is used by SUPC and APUC.
Context & Use Case
University IT departments use it to refresh server estates, expand storage for research data, and move to converged or hyper-converged infrastructure. Buyers can go direct to manufacturers such as Dell, HPE, Lenovo or NetApp, or through reseller partners that wrap in services. High-performance computing (HPC) is excluded from the solutions lot, so it is bought through other routes.
Scope of Services
Lot: Servers Lot: Storage Lot: Solutions, covering converged, hyper-converged, hybrid and other solutions (excluding HPC and DIC) Lot: Resellers Solutions
Lots
Servers; Storage; Solutions - Converged, Hyper-Converged, Hybrid and Other solutions (excluding HPC and DIC); Resellers Solutions
Who Can Apply
Suits server and storage manufacturers, converged infrastructure vendors and value-added resellers with education customers. Applications for this framework are closed and it ends in January 2027, so new suppliers should prepare for the replacement procurement rather than expecting to join.
Buyer Benefits
IT teams want hardware at agreed education pricing, quick routes to market when research funding lands, and choice between buying from a manufacturer or a reseller with services wrapped in. The lot structure separates traditional servers and storage from converged solutions so buyers compare like with like.
Next Steps
With 31 January 2027 about three months away, look out for SUPC's replacement: check the framework page (https://www.supc.ac.uk/frameworks/16108/) and Find a Tender for notices. Decide which lot fits, and prepare manufacturer authorisations, education pricing, security accreditations and reference sites. Appointed suppliers should use the remaining months to close refresh projects already in their pipeline.
How Athena Can Help
With the replacement for SSSNA close, Athena can help hardware vendors and resellers move fast. Our public sector bid advice helps you decide which lot to target, and our framework submission service gets selection documents, manufacturer authorisations and case studies ready, with a compliance check before you submit.
Our pricing and bid management support models pricing against rival manufacturers and resellers, builds win themes around your education references, and writes technical and service answers to the published criteria.
