Scope
Reference
NTU/25/2775/DS
Description
The University is seeking suppliers who can deliver a cost-effective and responsive print and signage service, drawing on sector knowledge to offer innovation, efficiency and value for money.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £3,083,333.33 excluding VAT
- £3,700,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 February 2026 to 12 February 2029
- Possible extension to 12 February 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
The Tender is being run in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) and any regulations made under it, including the Procurement Regulations 2024 (Regulations), as amended from time to time. This is an Open Procedure tender, as defined in sections 20(1) and 20(2)(a) of the Act. The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79820000 - Services related to printing
Contract locations
- UKF14 - Nottingham
Lot LOT-0001. Lot 1a Signage and Wide Format
Description
The University requires the appointed roster of Suppliers under Lot 1a to provide ad-hoc large format/signage design, build and installation. This shall incorporate the following services, but not limited to: banners, billboards and building signage, internal lettering and graphics, external directional and wayfinding signage, foamex temporary signs (aluminium signs; banners; nameplates for doors; directory signage; wayfinding; flush and projecting signs; external building signs; plaques; vehicle decals; health & safety/statutory signage). This lot focuses on bespoke and higher value signage and wide format orders, whereas Lot 1b focuses on repeat low value requirements, with faster lead times from order placement to installation on NTU campuses. Please see Schedule 4 for list of products list.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,250,000 excluding VAT
- £1,500,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
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 LOT-0002. Lot 1b Reactive Signage
Description
The University requires the appointed Supplier to undertaken the reactive signage services outside of core business operating hours, to avoid disruption causes on campus to staff and students. The bulk of the requirements under Lot 1b consist of low value repeat signage requirements, which we envisage most orders less than £1k. Please see Schedule 4 for list of products list. The appointed Supplier must operate flexible working hours, including early mornings (pre 8am) , evenings, and weekends, to accommodate our operational needs. This shall include experience of accessing secured areas out‐of‐hours and ensuring all work is completed discreetly and professionally with minimal disturbance to building users. The appointed Supplier shall be provided with campus access card(s) and tour of campus to familiarise yourself with the layout of the campus, but it shall be the responsibility of the Supplier to ensure staff are fully aware of building location. Supplier must be capable of working independently, without the need to contact NTU staff, should any clarification be required on a job, this must be done ahead of the installation day.
Lot value (estimated)
- £166,666.67 excluding VAT
- £200,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
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 LOT-0003. Lot 2 Print Services
Description
The Supplier shall be able to provide a full range of printed materials, including operational and marketing print, with the capability to handle varying volumes and a wide range of formats using digital and lithographic print methods. Please see Schedule 4 for list of products list.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,666,666.67 excluding VAT
- £2,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
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.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
12 February 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The Tender is being run in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) and any regulations made under it, including the Procurement Regulations 2024 (Regulations), as amended from time to time. This is an Open Procedure tender, as defined in sections 20(1) and 20(2)(a) of the Act. The University is setting up an Open Framework, which is a series of successive frameworks as defined by the Act. This is the framework 1 of the scheme (NTU/25/2775/DS). There are a maximum of two frameworks under this open framework. This competition is for the award of framework one in the scheme of frameworks. The open framework will last 8 years in total. Framework one will have a contract period of 36 months. Framework two will have a contract period of 60 months. Any subsequent extension to the Framework will be agreed between NTU and the appointed Suppliers. It is likely that NTU will seek the Supplier/s to demonstrate improvements to the services and/or price reductions before considering an extension. For any extension(s) to the Framework, discussions with Supplier(s) to arrive at an agreed position shall be conducted sufficiently far in advance of the expiry date.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot LOT-0001. Lot 1a Signage and Wide Format
Lot LOT-0002. Lot 1b Reactive Signage
Lot LOT-0003. Lot 2 Print Services
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 November 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
28 November 2025, 12:00pm
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 January 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 12 February 2034
Award criteria
Lot LOT-0001. Lot 1a Signage and Wide Format
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NTU Strategic Commitments (Sustainability) | 15% |
Quality |
| Technical Criteria | 19% |
Quality |
| Order Fulfilment Criteria | 38% |
Quality |
| Account Management Criteria | 3% |
Quality |
| Health and Safety Criteria | 5% |
Quality |
| Commercial Offer | 20% |
Price |
Weighting description
Please see tender document.
Lot LOT-0002. Lot 1b Reactive Signage
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NTU Strategic Commitments (Sustainability) | 15% |
Quality |
| Technical Criteria | 17% |
Quality |
| Order Fulfilment Criteria | 33% |
Quality |
| Account Management Criteria | 5% |
Quality |
| Health and Safety Criteria | 5% |
Quality |
| Commercial Offer | 25% |
Price |
Weighting description
Please see Tender Document.
Lot LOT-0003. Lot 2 Print Services
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| NTU Strategic Commitments (Sustainability) | 15% |
Quality |
| Technical Criteria | 30% |
Quality |
| 32% | Order Fulfilment Criteria |
Quality |
| Account Management Criteria | 3% |
Quality |
| Commercial Offer | 20% |
Price |
Weighting description
Please see tender document.
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
The university did not conduct any pre market engagement activities in relation to this tender.
Contracting authority
Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLJN-1931-JMHG
50 Shakespeare Street
Nottingham
NG1 4FQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKF14 - Nottingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government