Scope
Reference
344_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, and please refer to the Engagement Section for further details (including how to express an interest).
ESPO are conducting the preliminary market engagement with the intention of establishing an ESPO national framework for the supply and installation of signs including safety signs, corporate signage, road name signs and electronic signs.
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)
- £18,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027
- Possible extension to 31 December 2029
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 31523000 - Illuminated signs and nameplates
- 34924000 - Variable message signs
- 34992000 - Signs and illuminated signs
- 35260000 - Police signs
- 44423400 - Signs and related items
- 45233290 - Installation of road signs
- 45316211 - Installation of illuminated road signs
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
22 August 2025
Engagement process description
Suppliers are being engaged with to determine:
• Feedback on our proposed procurement strategy such as if the current Lot structure is relevant.
• If there have been any changes or developments in the market which should be incorporated into the framework scope/specification such as new product lines or a change in insurance provisions.
• Capacity to meet the framework requirements.
• To gain an understanding of whether localised Social Value can and will be offered under the scope of the contract.
• To ensure the market is prepared for carbon reduction plans to be included as a condition of participation for the procurement.
• Potential risks within the market such as supply chain issues.
• Identification of any barriers to participation faced by SMEs that can be removed or reduced.
Engagement is being undertaken via a Request for Information (RFI) Questionnaire, that is available as a Public Message on the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (www.eastmidstenders.org). Please refer to all instructions in the Public Messages, and any organisation that feels they can contribute should return the RFI Questionnaire via the Messaging facility on the eProcurement Portal by 17:00 (5pm) on 15 August 2025.
Suppliers wishing to participate and access Public Messages MUST first register interest for 344_26 via the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (please see below for further details).
For the purposes of this Preliminary market engagement (PME), please express your interest as follows:
(a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '344_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).
Suppliers should note that this is a preliminary market engagement exercise (and NOT a competitive tender process at this stage). The participation of a supplier in this preliminary market engagement will not constitute any contractual agreement between the respondent and ESPO.
It is anticipated that Suppliers taking part in the preliminary market engagement will not be put at an unfair advantage when bidding for this framework. A supplier's participation, or lack of participation, shall not impact the ability of the supplier to participate in any resulting tender exercise. Suppliers should note that any interest indicated does not constitute a commitment to participate in any future tendering exercise.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
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: Place and Environment Procurement Team
Email: tenders@espo.org
Website: https://www.espo.org/
Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government