Procurement and delivery

Service portfolio

Together we procure IT and content on the best possible terms

SURF members join forces to collectively procure IT and content. This strengthens our market position and allows us to make clear agreements on pricing, functionality, sustainability, privacy and security. Institutions benefit from appropriate services, favourable usage terms and shared expertise – enabling optimal use in education and research.

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The added value of SURF

Joint procurement for maximum impact

As a sector, we act collectively towards the market, leveraging our scale to secure competitive contracts – with both major suppliers and innovative start-ups.

Unified approach to privacy and security

We conduct sector-wide privacy and security assessments of applications and suppliers, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, while safeguarding public values such as autonomy and data security.

Shared knowledge, smooth implementation

We share knowledge and expertise on procurement, and support the implementation of IT services across education and research – with a focus on support and ease of use.

What we offer within procurement and delivery

Procurement

SURF combines members' procurement needs and makes contractual arrangements with suppliers on their behalf, as well as providing contract and supplier management, transaction data and analysis.

Delivery

SURF supports and advises members and vendors in the procurement, delivery and application of the vendor portfolio. We have several channels:

Compliance

SURF performs overall risk analyses on suppliers and their applications. This provides institutions with the building blocks they need to make their own decisions on the secure use of these applications within their institution. If necessary, we make privacy and security agreements with suppliers for the entire sector and, where possible, beyond.

Community

Within SURF, members share knowledge and experiences regarding the ICT market, procurement and application possibilities, including through expert communities.

Collaboration in IT procurement and delivery

To ensure access to the most suitable IT services and products, members of the SURF cooperative combine their demands, needs, and requirements. Together, they approach the market, procure solutions, and collaborate in the adoption and use of services.

Establishing Strong Agreements

By joining forces within SURF, members gain a stronger position to negotiate solid contracts with major global IT providers, start-ups, and innovative EdTech companies. These agreements cover aspects such as functionality, interoperability, sustainability, privacy, and security. Together, we secure favourable terms of use and pricing benefits. SURF members are committed to public values and safeguarding the sector’s sovereignty.

This approach is also beneficial for suppliers. They have a single point of contact to develop a tailored offer for a specific, sizeable target group in education and research.