- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1. Print publications: standard suppliers for library stock
- Lot 2. Print publications: specialist suppliers for library stock
- Lot 3. Print publications: supply to schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, academic departments (generally non-library)
- Lot 4. E-book aggregator: title-by-title perpetual access purchase
- Lot 5. E-book aggregator: title-by-title perpetual access purchase for third-party platform
- Lot 6. E-book aggregator: subscription packages
- Lot 7. E-book aggregator: e-textbooks
- Lot 8. E-books: specialist and innovative solutions
- Lot 9. Sales to individual staff/students and bursary provision
Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC)
Reading Enterprise Centre, The University of Reading, Whiteknights Road, Earley Gate
Reading
RG6 6BU
Contact
Gavin Phillips
Telephone
+44 1182284020
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
National registration number
111357
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://uk.eu-supply.com/ctm/Company/CompanyInformation/Index/86623
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=87046&B=SUPC
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=87046&B=SUPC
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Books, e-books and associated services
Reference number
LIB4061 SU
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 22113000 - Library books
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Framework agreement for the supply of books, e-books and associated resources and services. This tender is split into 9 Lots. Participating consortia cover universities and other Public Sector members including (but not limited to) schools, colleges, Multi-Academy Trusts, government departments and research institutes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The named consortia are SUPC, NEUPC, NWUPC, LUPC, HEPCW, Academic Libraries North, NEYAL, MUAL, and WHELF.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £450,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for maximum number of lots
7
The contracting authority reserves the right to award contracts combining the following lots or groups of lots:
Bidders may bid for any combination of Lots with the following exceptions:
• Bidders must not bid for both Lot 1 and Lot 2.
• Bidders for Lot 8 must not bid for any of Lots 4, 5, 6, or 7.
• In the event that a Bidder submits Bids that do not comply with these exceptions, the Authority will raise a clarification to determine which Lot(s) will be evaluated and which will be discarded.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Print publications: standard suppliers for library stock
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22100000 - Printed books, brochures and leaflets
- 22110000 - Printed books
- 22112000 - Textbooks
- 22114000 - Dictionaries, maps, music books and other books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Large-scale and library-focussed suppliers of printed publications and other hard copy materials including but not limited to maps, music scores, DVDs, CDs, Standing Orders and out-of-print materials. Suppliers will be capable of meeting operational requirements such as metadata provision, shelf-ready servicing, and interoperability with Library Management Systems. Suppliers may bid for either Lot 1 or Lot 2 but not both.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £70,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 1 will be awarded to a maximum of 5 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Print publications: specialist suppliers for library stock
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22100000 - Printed books, brochures and leaflets
- 22110000 - Printed books
- 22112000 - Textbooks
- 22114000 - Dictionaries, maps, music books and other books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Specialist suppliers of printed publications and other hard copy materials such as maps, music scores, DVDs, CDs, Standing Orders. Suppliers will specialise according to factors such as language, region of publication, material type, subject, etc. Suppliers may bid for either Lot 1 or Lot 2 but not both.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £10,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 2 will be awarded to a maximum of 12 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Print publications: supply to schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, academic departments (generally non-library)
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22100000 - Printed books, brochures and leaflets
- 22110000 - Printed books
- 22111000 - School books
- 22112000 - Textbooks
- 22113000 - Library books
- 22114000 - Dictionaries, maps, music books and other books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Supply of printed publications and other hard copy materials, generally for non-library purposes of academic departments, schools, Multi-Academy Trusts, and other public sector organisations. Associated goods relating to reading provision may be supplied under this Lot where a dedicated framework is not required.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £40,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 3 will be awarded to a maximum of 8 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
E-book aggregator: title-by-title perpetual access purchase
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22113000 - Library books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Title-by-title purchasing of e-books via an aggregator platform for delivery via the aggregator’s own platform. Packages may be offered, as may DDA and EBA programmes. Suppliers will offer perpetual access licences but may also offer alternatives (eg. 365 day licences) where perpetual licensing is not available.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £120,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 4 will be awarded to a maximum of 5 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
E-book aggregator: title-by-title perpetual access purchase for third-party platform
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22113000 - Library books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Title-by-title purchasing of e-books via an aggregator platform for delivery via a third party or publisher platform. Packages may be offered, as may DDA and EBA programmes. Suppliers will offer perpetual access licences but may also offer alternatives (eg. 365 day licences) where perpetual licensing is not available.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £40,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 5 will be awarded to a maximum of 5 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
E-book aggregator: subscription packages
Lot No
6
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22113000 - Library books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Subscription e-book packages via aggregator’s own platform. Packages may include wider digital content in addition to e-books. Package content will be pre-defined in nature and not bespoke selections of titles.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £20,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 6 will be awarded to a maximum of 5 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
E-book aggregator: e-textbooks
Lot No
7
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22113000 - Library books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
E-textbook access via an aggregator e-textbook platform. Title selections may be bespoke or pre-defined packages.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £120,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 7 will be awarded to a maximum of 5 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
E-books: specialist and innovative solutions
Lot No
8
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22113000 - Library books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Specialised e-book solutions for delivery via Supplier’s own platform. This Lot offers a route to market for solutions that do not fit the specification of other e-book Lots (Lots 4, 5, 6, or 7). Solutions might include those that are not specifically designed for the HE market, that deliver specialist content, or that offer alternative business models that don’t fit in another Lot. Suppliers bidding for this Lot may not bid for any other e-book Lot (Lots 4, 5, 6, or 7).
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £20,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 8 will be awarded to a maximum of 12 suppliers.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Sales to individual staff/students and bursary provision
Lot No
9
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 22100000 - Printed books, brochures and leaflets
- 22110000 - Printed books
- 22112000 - Textbooks
- 22114000 - Dictionaries, maps, music books and other books
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Various locations around the UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Where a member wishes to set up an approved supplier for individual staff or students to purchase hard copy or digital materials. Bursary provision may also be facilitated where operated on a credit basis and the supplier meets individual member requirements. In these cases, bursaries may include a wider scope of goods that support learning.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £10,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial term is to be 24 months with extension(s) possible for up to a further 24 months (maximum 48 months total).
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes
Identification of the project
There is potential for member framework spend to be financed by European Union funds. Therefore this opportunity will be advertised via both Find a Tender and the Official Journal of the European Union.
two.2.14) Additional information
It is intended that Lot 9 will be awarded to a maximum of 5 suppliers.
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with several operators
Envisaged maximum number of participants to the framework agreement: 30
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2024/S 000-024901
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
21 February 2025
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
21 February 2025
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Southern Universities Management Services
Reading Enterprise Centre, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Whiteknights Road
Reading
RG6 6BU
Telephone
+44 1182284020
Country
United Kingdom