Books, Downloads & Associated Services

Framework Scope

The framework includes the supply of printed books (fiction, non-fiction, curriculum:, and reference), e-books, audio books and associated services. There may be associated services including, but not limited to: library stocking and related services, training, CDs and DVDs. 

The framework is split into seven LOTs:
• LOT 1 - Books published in the UK
• LOT 2 - Books published outside the UK
• LOT 3 - Curriculum and reference books 
• LOT 4 - Books, curriculum, and reference books 
• LOT 5 - E-audio books and accessories 
• LOT 6 - E-books and accessories 
• LOT 7 - E-audio books, E-books, and accessories

What are the benefits of using this framework?

• Proud part of CSG which serve over 16,000 customers globally and generates gross revenue of £657m.
• All our frameworks are free to access.
• This framework is fully compliant with the PCR 2015.
• Authorised Participants can re-open competition within the framework, removing the need for a full tender exercise or lengthy supplier evaluation each time they have Books, Downloads & Associated services requirements, saving time and costs associated with procurement exercises.
• Direct Award capability giving you a quick, easy and PCR 2015 compliant route to procurement.
• The terms and conditions are safe and designed to protect you.
• Free and full support on using the framework through the Procurement Services specialist team.
• You are able to benefit from aggregated spend and lower pricing based on the value of the overall contract, even on low spend orders.
• The framework will be managed and monitored by Procurement Services (acting for Kent County Council) on behalf of our customers and your views and requirements will be taken into account when reviewing and developing the contract.
• Social value is an increasingly important way in which we look to support our customers and communities throughout the UK. Social value has a scoring weighting within every single new framework, so we can be certain that we are awarding suppliers who are committed to contributing to communities.
  

Who can use this framework?

All public bodies have access to this agreement but may only do so with the agreement of the contracting authority. Those organisations who may wish to access this agreement will be members, affiliates and associates of the CBC Group, the police service, the fire service, the NHS & NHS Trusts, third sector organisations, academic centres (including academies), publicly funded organisations and publicly owned private companies, operating within the geographic boundaries of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland. The agreement is also open for use by all other local authorities and public sector bodies. The framework agreement is also open for use by all other local authorities and public sector bodies. Full details of the classification of potential contracting bodies and customer’s geographical areas and organisation classification can be found in the FTS notice.