Scope
Reference
376F_26
Description
This is for prior information (a Planned procurement) where the tender documentation is not yet available. However, interest (Expressions of interest) can still be registered (see below for details on how to complete).
National framework agreement for the supply of 'shelf-ready' stock to libraries, serviced to individual specification. Including associated services.
Lot details are yet to be confirmed.
To express an interest:
(a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '376F_26' (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest.
For further details on the Procurement Act, including registration on the Central Digital Platform, this can be found as follows:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/information-and-guidance-for-suppliers
Or otherwise, please refer to the ESPO Website as follows:
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £44,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (potentially in 12-month periods). The total estimated value stated includes the option period.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 22000000 - Printed matter and related products
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Framework operation description
National framework agreement for public sector organisations for the supply of 'shelf-ready' stock to libraries, serviced to individual specification. Including associated services.
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 Procurement Act 2023 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 Procurement Act 2023 or other public procurement legislation. Accordingly, this is provided for tenderers information only.
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
As a Centralised procurement authority as defined in the Procurement Act 2023, the Framework 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.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
14 November 2025
Tender submission deadline
16 December 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Refer to all instructions captured via https://www.eastmidstenders.org/.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
6 February 2026
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.eastmidstenders.org/
Please note, this is for prior information (a Planned procurement) where the tender documentation is not yet available. However, interest (Expressions of interest) can still be registered, as follows:
To express an interest:
(a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for opportunity '376F_26 ' (via View Opportunities from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest.
Contracting authority
Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYDD-1122-TCVN
Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby
Leicester
LE19 1ES
United Kingdom
Contact name: Food, Communities and Technology Procurement Team
Email: tenders@espo.org
Website: https://www.espo.org/
Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government