Scope
Description
NEPO seeks to establish a Framework for the supply of Library Books & Digital Content. The Framework will establish a panel of Suppliers who are able to deliver physical Library Books & Digital Content for use by Contracting Authorities throughout the United Kingdom.
The Framework will be made available to NEPO's Member Authorities and Associate Members.
This preliminary market engagement notice provides advance notice to the marketplace of the tendering opportunity and NEPO's intention to undertake market consultation activities with suppliers to help shape the future framework.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 22113000 - Library books
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
29 August 2025
Engagement process description
NEPO intend to publish a preliminary market engagement questionnaire via Open e-Tendering system (www.open-uk.org). The questionnaire responses will help NEPO design the framework by providing the level of market interest and provide insight from suppliers on the shaping of the future provision.
The questionnaire will be made accessible via the Open e-Tendering system on 1st July 2025 with a submission deadline of 12:00 on 9 July 2025. Suppliers wishing to access and complete the questionnaire must first register on the e-Tendering system using the following link https://www.open-uk.org For guidance on how to create an account or submit your questionnaire response through Open, please visit https://www.open-hub.org/training to access the available Training Guides. If you need technical assistance from the Open Support team, this can be requested via open.support@nepo.org. PLEASE NOTE: Open is accessible 24/7 however, technical support is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 - 17:00 and Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
NEPO also intend to hold individual Market Engagement meetings with interested Suppliers via Microsoft Teams between the dates of 17 July 2025 and 21st July, for 1 hour timeslots. Suppliers are required to register their interest via email to will.quinn@nepo.org. Once registered, a Microsoft Teams Invite will be issued to the appropriate representatives.
A presentation will be given and there will be an opportunity to ask questions in the session.
Suppliers must submit their questionnaire via Open before 12:00, midday, on 9th July 2025.
Suppliers must confirm their attendance by 5pm on Thursday 10th July 2025, via email to will.quinn@nepo.org, the meeting invites will then be issued out by close of business on Friday 11th July.
Attendance at the Microsoft Teams meeting(s) is optional and does not provide suppliers with an advantage in any future related procurement. Presentations and Q&A from the session will be published as part of the procurement process. Attendance also does not constitute as an intention to tender for any future related procurement.
Please note the above information may be subject to change
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 October 2025
Contracting authority
THE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH EAST COUNCILS LIMITED
- Companies House: 05014821
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYVX-2132-JNMM
Northern Design Centre
Gateshead
NE8 3DF
United Kingdom
Email: cdpnepoteam@nepo.org
Website: http://www.nepo.org
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government