Scope
Reference
DN788742
Description
Cambridgeshire County Council is an upper tier Council in the East of England. The Authority's vision is to create a greener, fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire. It is responsible for the provision of a range of services including highways, adult and children's social care, transport and libraries. The Authority is inviting tenders for the provision of eLending services to support and enhance its public library offer.
The Authority is looking to procure the widest possible offer/access to Estock resources for the residents of the County in the most effective and efficient manner.
Bidders will be required to provide and deliver a high-quality digital lending solution that is accessible via both website and mobile application, compatible with iOS and Android devices, allowing for the lending, searching and management of eLending format specific to the Lot they are bidding for.
This opportunity is open to bidders with experience in digital content provision, delivering innovative, user-friendly and inclusive digital library services and public section service delivery to the residents of Cambridgeshire.
The contract opportunity is divided into four distinct Lots: eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers.
The Authority reserves the right to add the following additional requirements to the Service under this Contract during the Contract Period to provide Large print and spoken word services in addition to the services described in these procurement documents, based on needs and future market routes available to the Council.
Total value (estimated)
- £660,000 excluding VAT
- £770,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The Authority may choose to extend the contract in any monthly duration up to the total but not exceeding twelve (12) months.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 22113000 - Library books
- 22200000 - Newspapers, journals, periodicals and magazines
- 32321300 - Audio-visual materials
- 92511000 - Library services
Contract locations
- UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Lot 1. e-Audio
Description
Lot 1 covers the supply of a broad range of eBooks, including adult, junior, young adult, and graphic novel content. Providers must deliver a lending platform with full integration to the Authority's LMS, including automatic MARC record delivery. The lot also requires regular supplier-selected stock profiles, optional themed selections, and full user access via web and app.
Lot value (estimated)
- £385,000 including VAT
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 2. eAudiobooks
Description
Lot 2 requires the provision of a wide catalogue of eAudiobooks across all age groups and genres. The provider must offer a fully integrated digital lending solution, including LCF-based LMS integration and MARC record availability. Monthly supplier-selected stock baskets and the ability to meet one-off selection needs are essential.
Lot value (estimated)
- £239,000 including VAT
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 3. eMagazines
Description
Lot 3 involves supplying a wide selection of eMagazines, including a defined core list of required titles. Users must be able to access current and past issues via both web and app platforms. MARC records, LMS integration, and user-loan dashboard visibility are desirable additions.
Lot value (estimated)
- £73,000 including VAT
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 4. eNewspapers
Description
Lot 4 covers the provision of a broad range of UK and international eNewspapers, alongside a required core list of titles. The service must enable user access to current and back issues across devices. As with magazines, LMS integration, MARC records, and full user verification features are desirable.
Lot value (estimated)
- £73,000 including VAT
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.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. e-Audio
Lot 2. eAudiobooks
Lot 3. eMagazines
Lot 4. eNewspapers
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
19 January 2026, 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)
2 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 70% |
| Price | Price | 30% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://procontract.due-north.com/Procurer/Advert/View?advertId=dc1b7b27-1dd5-f011-813a-005056b64545&fromAdvertEvent=True
Contracting authority
Cambridgeshire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJVB-3262-VGVJ
New Shire Hall Emery Crescent Enterprise Campus,
Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon
PE28 4YE
United Kingdom
Region: UKH12 - Cambridgeshire CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government