Scope
Reference
376F_26
Description
This is for a Preliminary market engagement (PME) where the tender documentation is not yet available. However, interest (Expressions of interest) can be registered (if not already completed via the previous Planned procurement notice) along with a Request for Information (RFI) now being made available to help ESPO to shape the procurement process for this framework (please refer to the Engagement Section for further details, including how you can express your interest - if not already completed previously - and access the RFI).
ESPO is looking to establish a National framework agreement for the supply of 'shelf-ready' stock to libraries, serviced to individual specification, including associated services.
Note: Further details on the Procurement Act, including registration on the Central Digital Platform, 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
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 22000000 - Printed matter and related products
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
29 August 2025
Engagement process description
Suppliers are required to register and complete the relevant stages on the Central Digital Platform if they wish to participate in or bid for this framework.
The ESPO 376F_26 Request for Information (RFI) is available on the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (www.eastmidstenders.org) and the submission deadline is 4th July 2025 at 5pm. Suppliers wishing to participate must first register interest for 376F_26 via the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (please refer to instructions below on how to express your interest).
The RFI is available within a Public Message on the Portal and suppliers should follow the instructions for completing the RFI as captured within the Public Message.
To ensure that equal treatment principles are upheld, any information provided by the market that ESPO deems to be non-confidential or commercially sensitive which shapes our procurement process, proposed route and any refinements will be shared as part of the tender process (e.g., as an update to this Preliminary market engagement), including details of the process and outcomes.
Potential bidders will not be prejudiced by any participation or failure to participate to this preliminary market engagement exercise and should note that a response to this preliminary market engagement exercise does not guarantee an invitation to participate in this or any future procurement that ESPO may conduct.
Suppliers will be engaged with to:
• Assess the market's capacity to meet ESPO's requirements
• Assess any changes to the market
• Understand whether introducing a call-off without competition route to market for this framework is viable
• Understand whether there are any additional core goods/services that we could add to the framework offering
• Understand what distinctive features between suppliers' offering represent best value to customers
• Identify any potential risks or challenges in the market
• Gain an understanding of whether localised Social Value can and will be offered under the scope of the contract
• Ensure that the market is prepared for carbon reduction plans to be included as a condition of participation for the procurement.
For the purposes of this Preliminary market engagement (PME), please express your interest as follows (if not already completed):
(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.
Please access the Messages area/section of the eProcurement Portal (ProContract / EastMidsTenders - Messages can be accessed via the Activity dashboard once an Expression of interest has been completed) for any further communications on this preliminary market engagement, including the RFI documentation.
In the case of any questions or clarifications relating to this PME, these should also be submitted to ESPO as a Message on the eProcurement Portal (again once an Expression of interest has been completed).
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
14 November 2025
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