Technology
Device Procurement Process
The device procurement process is as a collective both to maximise our buying power and to ensure seamless delivery of devices to our learners. The Manaiakalani Procurement Committee (MPC) is able to negotiate the best price, directly with global manufacturers via their in-country managers. MPC negotiates price and conditions irrespective of who the reseller is and takes that price to the resellers for inclusion and value add items to be added. MET has negotiated a service level agreement with PB Tech as our current preferred supplier.
Procurement is a rigorous process
The Manaiakalani Procurement Committee (MPC), convened by Russell Burt, engages with vendors to identify candidate devices to meet student requirements
Test devices are provided to the Procurement Committee and these are rigorously evaluated by teachers, students, hackers and consultants to identify the preferred device. Recommendations are based on functionality, robustness, usability, affordability, durability and best-value specifications.
Concurrently MPC requests the Manaiakalani schools provide estimates of numbers of devices for the following year.
To get the best possible price, for the preferred student device, MPC negotiates with manufacturers on schools behalf.
When the device is finalised MPC will communicate back to schools confirming product, price and inclusions.
Schools are asked to inform MET of the number of devices required for the start of the following year. This enables us and our manufacturer to secure stock availability from Global production.
MET on behalf will then fill out the purchase order form and place their order with PB Tech no later than November 15th, in order to ensure delivery in late January.
From this point forward PB Tech helps by liaising directly with schools and the established schools’ contact point e.g Trust. PB Tech handles the purchase, payment and delivery of devices.
Ordering takes place via the PB Tech Portal or directly through the regional contact.