Bids for the LEP are usually led by large construction or financial companies each of whom will identify an ICT lead partner in their consortium. In a minority of instances, where a LEP is not deemed to be a suitable solution, the local authority may procure an ICT partner either through a separate competitive dialogue procedure or by running mini-competitions using the Becta Infrastructure Services and Learning Services frameworks.

In both LEP and non-LEP situations, the lead ICT bidder will assemble a supply chain covering the range of supplies and services which the local authority has indicated it wishes to procure. Companies that wish to sell into the BSF market should ensure that they are known to the companies that are recognised lead ICT partners. A list of such companies can be found below:

Agilisys, BT, Carillion ICT, Civica, Core, Dell, European Electronique, Logica, Mass Consulting, Northgate Information Solutions, Ramesys, Redstone, RM plc, Serco, Steria, Synetrix, VT Education and Skills

An important element of the ICT expenditure is the Local Choice Fund - £1450 per pupil place that is allocated for ICT equipment, software, installation and initial training. The Local Choice Fund is for individual schools to choose equipment and software relevant to their curriculum specialism. Most ICT lead bidders plan to operate an "open catalogue" process whereby schools can request products from suppliers who are not part of the formal ICT supply chain for that authority. For this reason it is important that companies continue to market their products directly to secondary schools, thereby raising awareness and increasing the likelihood of sales as part of BSF expenditure.

In summary, the likelihood of success in the ICT element of the BSF marketplace will be enhanced by a strategy that engages with the lead ICT bidders and also with secondary schools (either individually or through their local authority).