Dynamic Acquisition System (DAS)

What is a Dynamic Purchasing System (DAS)?

A DAS is an electronic marketplace and procurement system in which institutions post a request for proposals and suppliers submit a tender. It is an innovative and flexible way to procure a product or service. Dutch education and research institutions can easily purchase software and hardware via a SURF DAS. Suppliers offer their product or service to SURF-affiliated institutions in an accessible manner. The contract is awarded to the best tender based on pre-determined criteria

Current DAS product categories

SURF has set up a DAS for the product categories Online collaboration tools, Video software, Compliance services and Reference software.

Online collaboration tools

DAS product page – Online Collaboration Tools | Mijn SURF.
DAS online collaboration tools suppliers.
For detailed instructions for your institution, view the presentation ‘DAS Online collaboration tools in Mercell’.

Video software

Compliance Services

Reference software

DAS product page - Reference Software | Mijn SURF
There is only one provider for this DAS: DISC.

When can you use a DAS?

You can use a DAS for products and services that are readily available on the market. These are Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) solutions, so not products requiring complex implementation.

Does your institution wish to place a request in a DAS?

Please contact SURF Vendor Portfolio by email, telephone or via the portal.
We will send you the necessary information and documents.
For each DAS, we draw up basic templates to help you prepare your request.

How is a DAS established?

Institutions affiliated with SURF express their interest via the Procurement Inventory | Mijn SURF page. If there is sufficient interest, SURF initiates an IT procurement process for the joint procurement of software, hardware and/or IT services. When determining the procurement strategy, SURF works with the core team to identify the most suitable procurement method. A DAS is one of the procurement options.

Benefits of a DAS through SURF

Fast, flexible and less administration for institutions. Accessible with more opportunities for suppliers.

Flexible: join and request quotes at any time during the contract period
Simple: no complex tendering process, quotes tailored to your specific needs
Transparent: clear criteria and fair awarding
Efficient: individually or as a buyer group, volume bundling, more competitive pricing, possible above and below the tender threshold
Fast: relatively short lead time of 4 to 6 weeks, minimum period of 10 days between issuing the request and receiving tenders
Open: new suppliers can always join
Competitive: there are always multiple providers available, request competitive quotes
Accessible: suppliers meet criteria set by SURF

How does SURF's DAS work?

In a DAS, we distinguish the following process steps:

Initial phase and structure
SURF publishes the DAS via TenderNed . Suppliers register via Mercell and demonstrate that they meet the requirements.
Continuous entry
New suppliers can join at any time.
Prepare and publish a request
Your institution contacts SURF Vendor Portfolio. You will receive information and templates, which you can use to draft and publish a request for proposals.
Submit tenders
All approved suppliers receive an invitation and submit their tenders.
Evaluate tenders and award the contract
The contract is awarded on the basis of price, quality or service according to transparent criteria.
Draw up the contract and place the order
Your institution submits the winning bid to SURF. We make the offer available on the Mijn SURF portal. Your institution orders the desired products and/or services, which you will then find in your portfolio on Mijn SURF.
Delivery and invoicing
The supplier delivers the products and/or services to your institution in accordance with the contract. SURF handles invoicing as contractually agreed.

For a more detailed description of the process steps, see the document: How does a SURF DAS work – detailed description of process steps

Participate | terms and conditions | call-to-action

Would you like to participate? Then register as follows:

For suppliers: sign up via Mercell | Online collaboration tools | Videosoftware | Referentiesoftware | Compliance dienstverlening.
For institutions:
- please express your interest via Services | Procurement assessment | My SURF
- or contact via email, telephone or the portal

For further information, please see the following links: