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The Open University is commencing a competitive procurement, via a Competitive Flexible Procedure (CFP) to establish a closed framework for the supply of printed book production (to include paper supply, printing, finishing and binding) of educational materials for delivery into the The Open University's warehouse.
The framework will support the production of printed learning materials for The Open University’s students, with annual production volumes across a range of publication formats.
The framework will be awarded for an initial period of two (2) years, with the option to extend by up to two further twelve (12)‑month periods, to a maximum duration of four (4) years.
Interested companies are invited to complete the Procurement Specific Questionnaire in Stage 1 of the process. Following evaluation, the five (5) highest scoring suppliers will be invited to participate in the tender stage, Stage 2.
At the conclusion of the procurement, the two (2) highest scoring suppliers will be appointed to the closed framework.
Framework contract: £6,500,000 total value shared among 2 suppliers. Estimated equal shares shown below.
| Supplier | Identifier | Est. Share | Lots Won | Cross-References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOBBS THE PRINTERS LIMITED | 00422132 | ~£3,250,000 | 1 lot Lot 1 | - |
| STERLING PRESS LIMITED | 02386753 | ~£3,250,000 | 1 lot Lot 1 | - |
Taken from this notice, not from Companies House. Check the original notice — details change and are not updated here.
This procurement was divided into 1 lots, each awarded separately. 6 bids were received in total.
| Lot | Value | Bids Received | Awarded To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 Oct 2026 – Oct 2028 | - | 6 | active |
Notices published under the Procurement Act 2023 name every bidder, including unsuccessful ones.
| Bidder | Bid on | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| HOBBS THE PRINTERS LIMITED | Lot 1 | Won |
| STERLING PRESS LIMITED | Lot 1 | Won |
| BELL & BAIN LIMITED | Lot 1 | Unsuccessful |
| ESP COLOUR LIMITED | Lot 1 | Unsuccessful |
| HENRY LING LIMITED | Lot 1 | Unsuccessful |
| PUREPRINT GROUP LIMITED | Lot 1 | Unsuccessful |
Weightings from the notice.
Government spending data: These suppliers have received £1,120,781 in 25 payments (over £25k) from Ministry of Defence, Department for Education, Department for Transport (2012-03-16 to 2023-06-02).