Award

EDR-24-008 DIGITAL LIBRARY FOR LIBRARIES NI

LIBRARIES NI

This public procurement record has 6 releases in its history.

Award

22 Jan 2026 at 12:34

Tender

12 May 2025 at 15:06

TenderUpdate

12 May 2025 at 15:06

TenderUpdate

30 Apr 2025 at 12:14

TenderUpdate

21 Mar 2025 at 10:38

Planning

30 Aug 2024 at 14:45

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the "EDR-24-008 Digital Library for Libraries NI" was initiated by the Education Authority on behalf of Libraries NI, focusing on the provision of a digital lending platform. The platform includes downloadable eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers, specifying a period of 24 months with optional extensions up to another 24 months. This contract, classified under the goods category with a CPV code for Magazines, has reached the Award stage, with the contract signed on 29th December 2025, and a value of £8,000,000. Situated in the UK region, specifically Belfast, this open procedure was awarded to OVERDRIVE INC., a supplier based in the US. Notably, the procurement method was an open procedure under the legal basis of EU Directive 2014/24/EU. All key procurement deadlines and changes were well communicated throughout the process.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities, chiefly for companies in the digital content and library services industries capable of providing robust digital lending platforms. Ideal candidates would be suppliers offering components like software packages, subscription services, and library management systems, especially those equipped to handle library services for public sectors. The high procurement value and the long-term nature of the contract make it an attractive prospect for established suppliers aiming to expand their portfolio in the public sector or strengthen their presence in the UK market, particularly those with the capability for flexible service delivery as seen from the procurement's provision for contract extensions.

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Notice Title

EDR-24-008 DIGITAL LIBRARY FOR LIBRARIES NI

Notice Description

The Education Authority (the Authority) on behalf of Libraries NI (the Client) invites Tenders for A Digital Lending Platform to include downloadable eBooks, eAudio books, eMagazines and eNewspapers ie the Digital Library Offer for a period of 24 months with the option to extend for period(s) of up to and including 24 months.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The Education Authority (the Authority) on behalf of Libraries NI (the Client) invites Tenders for A Digital Lending Platform to include downloadable eBooks, eAudio books, eMagazines and eNewspapers ie the Digital Library Offer for a period of 24 months with the option to extend for period(s) of up to and including 24 months. Additional information: The Contracting Authority can make no commitment or guarantee as to when orders will be placed for the service throughout the period of the Contract or as to the value/volume of the orders.

Options: Option to extend for any periods up to and including 24 months

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0496e6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/005729-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

22 - Printed matter and related products

48 - Software package and information systems

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services


CPV Codes

22200000 - Newspapers, journals, periodicals and magazines

22210000 - Newspapers

22213000 - Magazines

48161000 - Library management system

72500000 - Computer-related services

79980000 - Subscription services

79995000 - Library management services

92511000 - Library services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£8,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£8,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£8,000,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
25 Mar 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
12 Dec 2024Expired
Award Date
29 Dec 20251 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LIBRARIES NI
Additional Buyers

THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY

Contact Name
educationresource.procureeani.org.uk
Contact Email
educationresource.procure@eani.org.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BALLYMENA
Postcode
BT42 2HS
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
New Lodge
Westminster Constituency
Belfast North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

OVERDRIVE

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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