Prior information notice

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

I.2) Joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

I.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address

I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions

I.5) Main activity

General public services

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.2) Description

II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

07/12/2026

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.3) Additional information

SPPD is using Microsoft Forms to collate responses, Suppliers and other interested parties should read and complete the following Request for Information Online Questionnaire using the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/irJRwev9qs

The questionnaire will be available for all interested parties until 23:00hrs on 3 July 2026.

1. Foreword and Acknowledgements

Scottish Procurement is the organisation tasked with procuring requirements on behalf of Scottish Public Sector Bodies. Scottish Procurement aims to deliver benefits to the people of Scotland through improved value for money for taxpayers, improved goods and services for all our citizens and economic opportunities for Scotland. This is achievable through effective collaboration throughout the procurement cycle.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this questionnaire is to ensure that all Scottish Public Sector Bodies, Suppliers and Industry bodies have an opportunity to help shape and influence future requirements for General Stationery and Office Supplies, and extend business across the Scottish Public Sector.

The current General Office Supplies Framework Agreement is due to expire on 30 June 2027. Action to relet this Framework Agreement is about to commence and in order to assist with the strategy development, Scottish Procurement is seeking your views and opinion regarding the requirements set out in this Request for Information. This information will be used to develop the procurement strategy to help deliver contractual arrangements for General Office Supplies.

No information provided under this request will be used to make judgements regarding supplier performance, capacity or capability under any future procurement process.

3. General Office Supplies Framework (2027) Portfolio

It is vital that the procurement strategy is correctly informed and formulated to ensure that the General Office Supplies Framework (2027) portfolio can be brought to market in its optimal form.

In order to complete and finalise the strategy, Scottish Procurement recognises the value of suppliers and industry bodies having the opportunity to contribute to this process on a non competitive and non judgmental basis. This request for information is aimed at collating

those views from market participants.

This new Framework is likely to be a single Lot Cat “A” procurement as per the current iteration. The portfolio estimated value is 36,000,000 GBP over 4 years (9,000,000 GBP per annum).

4. Procurement Model

The following procurement objectives have been defined for the new Framework:

- To establish a supply base with broad service coverage to deliver a high quality of service;

- To negotiate and implement a framework that delivers best economic value across the whole of the Scottish public sector;

- Improve the sharing of best practice and knowledge and increased efficiency; and

- Establish a Framework which has a positive impact on the Scottish economy and society.

In striving to achieve these objectives, the strategy will also seek to consider its impact on:

- Incumbent and potential suppliers;

- The long term competition in the provision of General Stationery and Office Supplies to the public sector in Scotland;

- The need for continuity of service provision between current and proposed contractual arrangements;

- The need for choice and flexibility to be retained in order to address certain specific needs of individual end user organisations;

- Delivering Sustainable Procurement;

– seeking opportunities for Community Benefits, and;

- In accordance with Scottish Government policy, the Application of Fair Work First Criteria of which it is our expectation that suppliers will pay the Real Living Wage.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=834532.

(SC Ref:834532)

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice

12/06/2026