News

 

Serials, Periodicals, and Associated Services (Print and Digital) framework retendered
  • 02/08/2023
  • Giorgia Varriale

Members can now access the re-tendered Serials, Periodicals, and Associated Services (Print and Digital) framework.

Led by Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC) and tendered in conjunction with the library consortia Academic Libraries North, MUAL, NEYAL, and WHELF, the agreement provides a compliant and responsible route for universities to procure subscriptions agent services for their print and digital periodicals requirements.

Offering a cost-effective procurement option with access to three reputable and long-established agents, SUPC expects in excess of £180m in university and public sector spend throughout the four-year framework.  The agreement will run from 1 August 2023 until 31 July 2025, with extension options until 31 July 2027. 

The main changes from the previous agreement include:

  • Revised pricing mechanisms to support long-term robustness of services in light of sector Open Access publishing requirements;
  • Options for standard service at standard pricing or alternative pricing for members with more complex requirements;
  • Call-off agreement changed from an awkward deed to a simpler contract.

Key benefits of using the Serials, Periodicals, and Associated Services (Print and Digital) framework agreement:

  • Inclusion of the key agents available to UK customers;
  • Flexibility for new services to develop and to be accessed via the agreement;
  • An easy and compliant route to market for participating organisations;
  • User guides, support, and templates.

The following suppliers have been awarded to the agreement:

  • EBSCO International Inc
  • Otto Harrassowitz Gmbh & Co. KG
  • Prenax Limited

How do I call-off from the framework agreement?

Call-off from this framework agreement is by means of direct award (unranked), desktop exercise, or further competition.

How has sustainability, equality and diversity been considered as part of the tender?

  • Sustainability is of key concern to the HE sector and our suppliers are encouraged to operate and promote sustainable practices.
  • As well as ensuring compliance with mandatory responsible procurement requirements, suppliers were evaluated in terms of their approach to:
    • Carbon reduction initiatives both internally and within their supply chains;
    • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives;
    • Commitments to delivering social value including community and voluntary schemes supported.

Full agreement details including how to use the agreement are available through the HE Contracts Database.