A Marketplace and Procurement Hub Built for Schools, With Schools
ISQ Buyer Connect
ISQ Buyer Connect is now live.
A smarter, simpler way for independent schools to source, compare, collaborate and save.
Access Member Portal for Buyer Connect Nominate your School’s Preferred Supplier/s Submit Supplier enquiry to join Buyer Connect
Why ISQ Buyer Connect?
Across our sector, procurement often happens through multiple emails, scattered quotes and limited visibility. It works — but it consumes time and makes consistency harder to achieve.
ISQ Buyer Connect changes that. It provides a central, member-only environment where schools can:
- Issue one Request for Quote and notify multiple relevant suppliers
- Compare responses in a consistent format
- Maintain a clear audit trail
- Connect with trusted providers
- Collaborate with other schools through a Marketplace.
All while retaining full control over decisions.
This is not a mandated system. It is a practical tool schools can choose to use where it adds value.
The Marketplace – Unlocking Sector Collaboration
The Marketplace is a dedicated buy-swap-sell space designed specifically for independent schools.
It allows schools to:
- List surplus equipment and furniture
- Source second-hand items in good condition
- Donate items to other schools
- Reduce waste and extend asset life
- Support regional and smaller schools.
This is procurement with a sustainability lens.
Not just buying smarter — but sharing smarter.
The Marketplace is a core feature of ISQ Buyer Connect and reflects the strength of our school community.
How ISQ Buyer Connect works
ISQ Buyer Connect simplifies how schools source, compare and manage purchasing decisions, whole keeping control within the school.
1. Tell us what you need
Share a short description of the item or service you’re looking for.
2. We send it to the right suppliers
Your request is matched to suitable vendors, without identifying your school.
3. Suppliers send back quotes
You’ll receive pricing and details from the suppliers who can help.
4. Compare and choose
Review the quotes and select the option that best fits your needs.
What This Means for Your School
For Business Managers: A simpler, safer way to run RFQs — without extra administration. One request, multiple responses, clear documentation.
For Principals: Stronger governance and transparency without additional operational load.
For School Boards: Greater visibility of procurement activity and defensible processes.
For Operational Staff: A clearer pathway to source goods and services through your Business Manager.
Built for Independent Schools
Developed in partnership with FP Software and shaped by feedback from pilot schools, ISQ Buyer Connect reflects the diversity and scale of our membership.
This is a sector-led platform designed to strengthen buying power, improve consistency, and reduce unnecessary friction.
What Happens on 16 March?
ISQ Buyer Connect officially launches on 16 March 2026.
On launch day:
- Schools can access the platform via the ISQ Member Hub
- A live demonstration webinar will walk through issuing your first RFQ
- Early pilot insights will be shared
- Marketplace functionality will be available.
We encourage Business Managers and Principals to attend the launch webinar to see how Buyer Connect can support your school’s procurement approach.
What can I do on the platform?
ISQ Buyer Connect makes it easy to manage your school’s purchasing needs in one central place. You can post requests for goods or services without sending multiple emails and browse a directory of providers in the organisation section. You can also request quotes, send and receive messages, and keep all communications neatly organised so nothing gets lost.
The platform is designed for anyone in your school who needs to purchase items, request quotes, or oversee a budget. This includes Principals, Business and Finance Managers, Support Staff, Administrators, ICT teams, Facilities and Grounds staff, Senior Leaders, Middle Leaders, and anyone responsible for a budget area. Principals and Business/Finance Managers can act as Platform Administrators, but all relevant staff can use ISQ Buyer Connect to make procurement faster and easier.
No. Schools can choose to use the platform where it adds value.
Does it replace our current processes?
No. It supports and strengthens them.
What governance reports are available?
You can generate a Quote Report at any time, which is ideal for finance teams, board committees, and auditors. The report includes the date the quote request was made, the companies that tendered, the name of the successful tender, and the reason for their selection. It also stores all related messages and documents, ensuring complete transparency and compliance.
No. Access is included as part of ISQ membership.
Do we have to use specific suppliers?
No. Schools retain full control over decisions.
For information about the strategy and benefits of joining, contact:
Jo Butler | Business Project Manager, ISQ
procurement@isq.qld.edu.au
For platform walkthroughs, registration help, or other technical support, contact:
Michael Burgess | Director, FP Software
michael@fp.software