Foreword from the Director

Procurement in education is evolving—and EPS is leading the charge. As we close the third quarter of 2025, I’m pleased to share key milestones and strategic developments from across the Education Procurement Service (EPS), reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering value, compliance, and innovation in public sector sourcing.

This quarter, EPS was honoured to be shortlisted in two categories at the National Procurement Awards 2025, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth. This recognition underscores the excellence, integrity, and impact of our procurement practices—congratulations to all involved.

Our active engagement at the 2025 Public Services Conference and our upcoming participation in the Government Supply Expo demonstrate our dedication to sector-wide collaboration and continuous improvement. These platforms are essential for knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and shaping the future of procurement in education.

A standout achievement this quarter is the launch of the LA3211F Reagent Framework. With 30 suppliers appointed across 16 lots, this framework delivers enhanced access to high-quality laboratory and research chemicals while streamlining procurement processes for institutions of all sizes. Designed with robust market engagement and inclusive drawdown mechanisms, it supports both large-scale buyers and SMEs—reinforcing our commitment to strategic sourcing and supplier diversity.

We also celebrate the contributions of our Cooperative Education student, Billy Ó Maolchathaigh, whose reflections highlight the importance of investing in future procurement talent. His experience exemplifies the value of our Co-op programme in fostering a dynamic, growth-oriented workplace.

EPS is proud to acknowledge the achievements of our colleagues in UL ITD, whose award-winning digital transformation initiative showcases the power of innovation in enhancing service delivery and cybersecurity. We also continue to support UL’s rollout of the My Learning Space LMS—a transformative step in enabling staff development and lifelong learning.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to building on these successes as we enter the final quarter of the year.

Philip Gurnett
Director, Education Procurement Service
Head of Sourcing Education