Short answer
An IT BOQ should connect each equipment line to its intended use, quantity, delivery site, technical requirements, accessories, licences, warranty and installation scope. Keep unknown details visible so suppliers can explain assumptions before pricing.
A list such as “20 computers and two printers” leaves several decisions open. It may omit displays, operating systems, connectivity, installation and the split between delivery sites. The same quantities can therefore produce offers for materially different usable systems.
A checklist you can use
| Area | What to record or request | Decision to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Office work, a computer lab, specialist applications or another defined use. | Identify the workload before comparing specifications. |
| Equipment line | Category, description, quantity and required accessories. | Show what constitutes one complete usable unit. |
| Technical inputs | Known processor, memory, storage, connectivity or functional needs. | Mark uncertain requirements for review rather than inventing a configuration. |
| Delivery locations | Quantity per consignee, site contact, access needs and target date. | Avoid a single total that hides multiple delivery obligations. |
| Software and support | Required licences, warranty term, coverage and escalation route. | Distinguish included coverage from optional services. |
| Site work | Installation, configuration, cabling, testing and buyer dependencies. | Make supply-only and installation scope separately reviewable. |
Next steps
- Create one line for each distinct configuration or service scope.
- Split quantities by actual delivery location.
- Record known specifications and list the decisions still to confirm.
- Ask the supplier to identify assumptions, exclusions and evidence against each line.
Illustrative planning example
Illustrative planning example: an office needs 20 desktops across two sites. The review should resolve the quantity split, displays, operating-system licences, keyboards/mice, network readiness and installation responsibility. This example is not a product recommendation, customer case study or price quote.
Related buyer questions
- How can buyers compare IT supplier quotations fairly?
- How should a multi-location IT delivery be planned?
About this guidance
Company-provided planning guidance, prepared with AI assistance and checked for consistency with the public ATMPL service scope. Examples are illustrative. No independent technical certification, customer case study or purchase-rule determination is implied.
For current marketplace information use the official GeM portal. Review the supplier evidence checklist and company facts alongside the actual product documents and accepted offer.