Framework for Large Print and Spoken Word Books
Deadline:2 Oct 2026, 13:00
Summary
Tender information
Southend-on-Sea
Thurrock
Essex Haven Gateway
West Essex
Heart of Essex
Essex Thames Gateway
Type
Contract
Procedure
Not given
Ref. number
C025PA
Estimated value
£312,000
Contract type
Framework agreement
Duration
31/12/2026 - 31/12/2030
Essex County Council (ECC) are seeking to establish a multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of Large Print Books and Spoken Word Books on CDs for use across Essex Libraries.
This will divided into two (2) Lots:
Lot 1: Large Print Books
Lot 2: Spoken Word Books on CDs
Large Print Books are defined as 16-18 point size, and Spoken Word Books on CDs are defined as a book that has been read and recorded onto one or more CDs in a format playable by standard CD players.
Suppliers will be required to provide durable, library-ready materials suitable for public lending, including RFID tagging, barcoding, labelling and the provision of accurate MARC bibliographic records.
Ordering will be undertaken through electronic processes, including EDI, supported by an online catalogue enabling standing order plans and ad-hoc purchases. Deliveries will be made to a central distribution location.
To access the tender, please register on our procurement portal, Open
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Lot nr.: 1
Large Print Books
Lot 1 covers the supply of Large Print Books for use across Essex Libraries.
The Supplier will be required to provide Large Print Books that meet recognised accessibility standards and are suitable for public lending, including durable finishes and clear spine and cover labelling. Items must be supplied as library‑ready stock, including RFID tagging, barcoding, labelling and other physical processing requirements as specified by the Authority.
The Supplier must provide accurate MARC bibliographic records via Bibliographic Data Services (BDS), maintain an online catalogue to support standing order plans and ad‑hoc ordering, and participate in electronic ordering processes including EDI.
Deliveries will be made to a central library distribution address.
The Lot includes defined obligations relating to data quality, delivery timescales, invoicing, management information, business continuity, and ongoing performance monitoring.
No guarantee of volume or value is provided under this Lot.
Duration contract start date : 01/01/2027 12:00:00 AM
Duration contract end date : 31/12/2030 11:59:59 PM
Criteria definitions: Quality: 30 (Technical)
Cost: 60 (Cost)
Quality: 10 (Social Value)
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Lot nr.: 2
Spoken Words Books on CDs
Lot 2 covers the supply of Spoken Word Books on CD for use across Essex Libraries.
The Supplier will be required to provide audiobooks on CD supplied in cases suitable for public lending, with clear labelling and durable construction. Spoken Word recordings must be of appropriate audio quality and supplied as library‑ready stock, including barcoding, labelling and other physical processing requirements as specified by the Authority.
The Supplier must provide accurate MARC bibliographic records via Bibliographic Data Services (BDS), maintain an online catalogue to support standing order plans and ad‑hoc ordering, and support electronic ordering processes including EDI.
Deliveries will be made to a central library distribution address.
The Lot includes requirements covering data quality, replacement of damaged items, delivery timescales, invoicing, management information, business continuity, and performance monitoring.
No guarantee of volume or value is provided under this Lot.
Duration contract start date : 01/01/2027 12:00:00 AM
Duration contract end date : 31/12/2030 11:59:59 PM
Criteria definitions: Quality: 30 (Technical)
Cost: 60 (Cost)
Quality: 10 (Social Value)
Buyer
Essex County Council
Documents
Buyer
Essex County Council
Open for offers
23 days left
Important dates
7 Sept - Publication date
2 Oct - Deadline
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