Scope
Reference
OPEN20251857
Description
Durham County Council is continuing its engagement with the market following the initial soft market testing questionnaire issued in August 2024 under reference DN735615 via the NEPO portal, concerning the provision of a new Library Management System. System demonstrations held in November and December 2024 have supported the Council's specification development and strategic planning. While there have been some delays, the project is now progressing at pace.
The Council is seeking further preliminary engagement from suppliers to explore potential additional services that could be incorporated into any future tendering opportunity.
While the Council's previous engagements have confirmed that the majority of requirements for School Library Services can be met by standard off-the-shelf Library Management Systems without the need for bespoke development, there remain a number of specific requirements that have not yet been fully explored. The Council is therefore undertaking a deeper review focused on these areas to determine whether they can be fulfilled through existing system capabilities, general configuration, or integration with third-party solutions. This further engagement will help inform the most appropriate route forward for any future procurement activity.
Total value (estimated)
- £450,000 excluding VAT
- £540,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2036
- 10 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 48160000 - Library software package
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Engagement
Engagement deadline
7 November 2025
Engagement process description
Durham County Council is continuing its engagement with the market following the initial soft market testing questionnaire issued in August 2024 under reference DN735615 via the NEPO portal, concerning the provision of a new Library Management System. System demonstrations held in November and December 2024 have supported the Council's specification development and strategic planning. While there have been some delays, the project is now progressing at pace. The Council is seeking further preliminary engagement from suppliers to explore potential additional services that could be incorporated into any future tendering opportunity.
While the Council's previous engagements have confirmed that the majority of requirements for School Library Services can be met by standard off-the-shelf Library Management Systems without the need for bespoke development, there remain a number of specific requirements that have not yet been fully explored. The Council is therefore undertaking a deeper review focused on these areas to determine whether they can be fulfilled through existing system capabilities, general configuration, or integration with third-party solutions. This further engagement will help inform the most appropriate route forward for any future procurement activity.
The written response questionnaire can be accessed free of charge by registering on the Open Portal at open-uk.org.
Responses must be submitted through the Open Portal by Friday 7th November at 10am.
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: zoe.embleton@durham.gov.uk
Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government