Scope
Reference
RM6389
Description
This framework is for the provision of printed communications and related services. It is a UK wide agreement available to all public sector organisations with NHS Notify requirements.
The agreement shall include multiple routes to market (Award without competition, Competitive flexible procedure).
The framework will give the buyers access to direct mail print suppliers, envelope and leaflet production, postal services, accessible formats, pre-production services and alternative printing formats to improve accessibility.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £1,200,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,440,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 October 2025 to 1 January 2030
- 4 years, 3 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79800000 - Printing and related services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- GG - Guernsey
- JE - Jersey
- IM - Isle of Man
Justification for not using lots
It has been determined that all services and products can be provided by a single supply chain and that a single lot approach provides better value for money and streamlines the process for buyers.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
6
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
1%
Further information about fees
The Supplier will pay, excluding VAT, 1% of all the Charges for the Deliverables invoiced to the Buyer under all Call-Off Contracts.
Justification for framework term over 4 years
The term of the framework will be 4 years plus the necessary (non-trading) implementation period of 3 months. This period is to allow suppliers to integrate with the NHS Notify platform.
Framework operation description
Refer to Framework Schedule 7 (Call-off Procedure) for details of the competitive selection processes for the award of contracts under this framework.
In the event that there is a challenge to the Competition and such a challenge is confined to any one particular Lot, the Authority reserves the right to the extent that it is lawful to do so, to conclude a Framework Contract with the successful Suppliers in respect of the Lot(s) that has (have) not been so challenged." and this should go in the lot descriptions the rest is covered in the ITT The Authority also reserves the right to extend Lots by varying durations.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Please refer to the attachment RM6389 NHS Notify Printed Communications and Related Services - Customer List.
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
The conditions of participation relating to the legal and financial capacity are set out in the ITT, in the procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the assessment methodologies detailed in the procurement specific questionnaire and Attachment 2 How to tender.
Technical ability conditions of participation
The conditions of participation relating to technical capability are set out in the ITT, in the procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the assessment methodologies detailed in the procurement specific questionnaire and Attachment 2 How to tender.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 April 2025, 3:00pm
Tender submission deadline
28 April 2025, 3:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
22 September 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price | 40% |
| Service delivery | Quality | 20% |
| Effectively managing supply chains | Quality | 15% |
| Maximising value | Quality | 15% |
| Social value | Quality | 10% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
We engaged with the market for this competition prior to the publication of the tender notice. Details of all engagement that has taken place together with information and/or outcomes can be found here https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM6389. Prior to submitting your tender, please read the details from that engagement.
A PME Notice was not published because the preliminary market engagement was undertaken prior to the Act coming into force.
Documents
Associated tender documents
RM6389 NHS Notify Printed Communications and Related Services - Customer List.pdf
Contracting authority
Crown Commercial Service
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBZB-4962-TVLR
9th Floor, The Capital, Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9PP
United Kingdom
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - central government