376E_24 eBooks, eAudiobooks and Print Books

This is a Prior Information Notice where the tender documentation is not yet available. However, interest in this opportunity (Expressions of interest) can still be registered (see details of how to complete below).

ESPO is seeking to renew its eBooks, eAudiobooks and Print Books framework. It is anticipated that the new framework will be awarded during Summer 2024.

ESPO is also considering extending the framework scope to include ePress and Serviced Library Stock.

Prior to retendering, ESPO has sought to engage with the supplier market to help inform the new framework to ensure that it best meets the needs of both suppliers and customers across the public sector, with a pre-market engagement taking place.

The duration of the framework agreement is expected to be for 2 years (24 months), with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years (24 months). The total estimated value stated includes the option period (including the Spend profile, where an approximate estimate has been applied to simply spread this out over all the potentially applicable Financial years, including the option period).

To express an interest: (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '376E_24' (via "View Opportunities" from the 'EastMidsTenders' Portal); d) Express an interest.

Additional information: As a Central Purchasing Body as defined in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the Framework Agreement is open for use by Public Bodies (defined at https://www.espo.org/amfile/file/download/file/9608/) that also fall into one of the following classifications of user throughout all administrative regions of the UK: Local Authorities; Educational Establishments (including Academies); Central Government Departments and Agencies; Police, Fire & Rescue and Coastguard Emergency Services; NHS and HSC Bodies, including Ambulance Services; Registered Charities; Registered Social Landlords; The Corporate Office of the House of Lords, The Corporate Officer of the House of Commons; or any public body established by or under the Scotland Act 1998 or any Act of the Scottish Parliament. Details of the classification of end user establishments and geographical areas are available at: https://www.espo.org/legal.

ESPO has established a commercial trading company, ESPO Trading Limited, whose target clients are third sector organisations such as national and local charities, public sector mutual organisations and other organisations involved in the delivery of services to or for the public sector. The successful Supplier may be asked to enter into an additional separate framework agreement (the Second Framework) with ESPO Trading Limited on materially similar terms to that found in the tender pack to be entered into by ESPO itself.

Any Second Framework agreement will be a purely commercial agreement and will, for the avoidance of doubt, not be governed by the Public Contract Regulations 2015 or other public procurement legislation. ESPO Trading Limited may enter into the second framework agreement with the successful supplier and make it available to third sector clients who themselves are not required to follow the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or other public procurement legislation. Accordingly, this is provided for bidders information only.