Scope
Reference
5943773
Description
The Department of Finance (DoF) requires the supply and delivery of monographs in both print and electronic format to all beneficiaries of the contract including the NICS libraries and the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Contract will include other libraries and public bodies who purchase books and ebooks which are listed at Appendix A of the Specification
The scope of the contract is in two Lots. Each lot will be evaluated and awarded independently. Suppliers may apply for one or both Lots: Lot 1. General publications (publications generally available from a variety of publishers with a wide subject coverage) and Lot 2. E-books (general publications as in Lot 1 published in electronic format)
Total value (estimated)
- £350,000 excluding VAT
- £420,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 17 August 2025 to 16 August 2028
- Possible extension to 16 August 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Following the initial contract period there is one option to extend for a further period of one year. Following the initial contract period
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 22000000 - Printed matter and related products
- 22100000 - Printed books, brochures and leaflets
- 22110000 - Printed books
- 22113000 - Library books
- 22120000 - Publications
- 22121000 - Technical publications
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Lot 1. General publications
Description
Lot 1 requires the Supplier to provide publications generally available from a variety of publishers with a wide subject coverage
Lot value (estimated)
- £200,000 excluding VAT
- £240,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. E-books
Description
Lot 2 requires the Supplier to provide a wide selection of published books in ebook format.
Lot value (estimated)
- £150,000 excluding VAT
- £180,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. General publications
Lot 2. E-books
As per Tender documentation.
Particular suitability
Lot 1. General publications
Lot 2. E-books
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
30 May 2025, 3:00pm
Tender submission deadline
11 June 2025, 3:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via the relevant Call for Tender (CfT) opportunity on eTendersNI, website details immediately below.
Paper submissions will not be accepted or considered and will be rejected by the Contracting Authority / Buyer.
The tender documents are available with unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at: URL https://etendersni.gov.uk/epps
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
2 July 2025
Award criteria
Lot 1. General publications
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC4 Percentage discount offered | As per Tender documentation. |
Cost | 45% |
| AC1 Proposed Delivery & Quality of Service | As per Tender documentation. |
Quality | 40% |
| AC2 Contract Management | As per Tender documentation. |
Quality | 5% |
| AC3 Bibliographic Support | As per Tender documentation. |
Quality | 5% |
| AC5 Delivery cost | As per Tender documentation. |
Cost | 5% |
Lot 2. E-books
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC4 Percentage discount offered | As per Tender documentation. |
Cost | 50% |
| AC1 Proposed Delivery & Quality of Service | As per Tender documentation. |
Quality | 40% |
| AC2 Contract Management | As per Tender documentation. |
Quality | 5% |
| AC3 Bibliographic Support | As per Tender documentation. |
Quality | 5% |
Other information
Payment terms
For further details on invoicing procedures please see : https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/ar ticles/account-ni-good-invoicing-practice
Contract Value
The estimated value figure indicated in the Scope Section represents an overall estimated contract value. This value reflects the potential scale of the contract and takes into account potential optional extension periods and the uptake of potential optional services as detailed in the tender documents. This figure does not however take into account the application of indexation or increases to charges due to increases in the Real Living Wage. Neither CPD nor the contracting Authority can provide any guarantee as to the level of business under this contract. The Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Suppliers remain responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by them or by any third party acting under instructions from the Supplier in connection with taking part in this procurement process regardless of whether such costs arise as a consequence, directly or indirectly of any amendments made to the procurement documents by the Contracting Authority at any time. No legally binding contract shall arise (and a Supplier shall have no legitimate expectation that a contract will be entered into) until such time as entry into the Contract has been confirmed by the Contracting Authority.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Department of Finance
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVTL-7513-YWVJ
Room 55 Craigantlet Buildings Stoney Road Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SX
United Kingdom
Contact name: https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
CPD - Supplies & Services Division
Summary of their role in this procurement: Construction and Procurement Delivery - Supplies and Services Division, is a Centre of Procurement Expertise and provides a central procurement function for central government in Northern Ireland
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWG-8426-YWXV
Clare House, 303 Airport Road West,
Belfast
BT3 9ED
United Kingdom
Email: ssdadmin.cpd@finance-ni.gov.uk
Website: https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/
Region: UKN06 - Belfast