This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

05 Aug 2026 at 14:31

Planning

28 May 2026 at 08:50

Planning

12 May 2025 at 12:13

Summary of the contracting process

Leicestershire County Council, operating as ESPO, is in the Tender stage for a procurement process titled "199_27 Design and Technology Materials and Equipment". This procurement focuses on educational equipment, game kits, sewing machines, and other related materials for use in educational settings. The procurement is conducted through an open procedure with a framework agreement, allowing for both direct orders and further competitive selection. The estimated gross value is £1,600,000, with tenders to be submitted by 12:00 on 4 September 2026. Deliveries are to be made either to ESPO's distribution centre in Leicester or directly to customer premises throughout the UK. The contract is due to start on 1 January 2027 and could extend to 31 March 2028, with the possibility of additional extensions up to 33 months, subject to performance and demand. The contract's key lots include supplies ranging from educational sets to tools and paints, each suited to different educational environments.

This tender presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses involved in the supply of educational and design technology materials. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a strong track record in these areas should find themselves well-positioned to compete. The framework’s flexible structure, with its combination of direct orders and opportunities for competitive bidding among the awarded suppliers, allows businesses to align their offerings with the needs of ESPO and its customers. Given the wide scope of items and ESPO’s extensive customer base, suppliers can benefit from stable demand and the potential for steady business growth throughout the framework’s duration. Businesses specialising in delivering high-quality educational materials and technology equipment, particularly those equipped to handle large-scale deliveries across the UK, will likely find this a suitable opportunity to enhance their presence in the public sector market.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

199_27 Design and Technology Materials and Equipment

Notice Description

ESPO is a trading department of Leicestershire County Council. It is a non-profit making body owned and operated jointly by six local authorities. We provide a catalogue range, providing our customers with access to over 28,000 products that cover all key areas of education and wider public sector requirements. We are establishing a catalogue framework for the supply of D&T materials and equipment for use in education settings, with goods to be delivered either to ESPO's distribution centre, Leicester, or for direct delivery to ESPO customer premises. The Framework is divided into 2 lots. Please refer to the tender documents for any further details (including further details on each of the lots) - the closing date for submission of Tenders is 12:00 (12 noon / 12pm) on 04 September 2026. To tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity 199_27 (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); (d) Express an interest; (e) Download the tender documents (from the ProContract Activity summary screen). Any questions or clarifications relating to this tender opportunity should be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal, once an Expression of interest has been completed.

Lot Information

Supply of Design and Technology Product Ranges - By Category

Lot 1 is for the supply of Construction Kits, Modelling Kits and Educational Sets, Coding and Robotics Educational Sets, Badge Making Equipment, D&T Components, Electronics Equipment and Components, Tools, Accessories and Furniture, 3D Printing Equipment and Accessories, D&T Classroom Machinery, and Sewing Machines & Accessories, all for use in educational environments. Delivery is to ESPO's distribution centre, Leicester, or for direct delivery to ESPO customer premises.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 199_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2028), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 33 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Supply of Design and Technology Product Ranges - By Sub-Lot

Lot 2 is for the supply of construction kits, recordable teaching aid devices, electricity kits, textiles machinery, classroom kits, robotics, programmable systems, 3D printers and accessories, badge making machines and accessories. Items include wood, acrylic and modelling material packs, D&T and cardboard components, glue guns and glue sticks, a variety of spray paints all for use in educational environments. Delivery is to ESPO's distribution centre, Leicester, or for direct delivery to ESPO customer premises.

Options: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 199_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope.

Renewal: Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2028), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 33 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.

Planning Information

The purpose of the Pre-Market Engagement (PME) is to cover a range of topics designed to best explore our requirements in a possible future procurement. These topics may include: 1. Develop ESPO’s requirements and approach to the procurement. 2. Help better identify suitable suppliers in the market and to understand their supply chains. 3. Understand products/service offerings from suppliers and the marketplace in general. Engagement with suppliers is anticipated to be a mix of methods, including Requests for Information (RFI) hosted on the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (www.eastmidstenders.org), and meetings (both virtual and in-person). Visits to supplier’s premises may also be used where deemed to be of particular use. Suppliers wishing to participate in the engagement process must first express an interest as follows: (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '199_27' (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest. Suppliers can then access the RFI questionnaire in the ‘Messages’ section via the ‘Activity’ dashboard once an expression of interest has been registered - the deadline for responding to the RFI is 17:00 (5pm) on 12 June 2026. Responses to the RFI as well as any questions or clarifications should be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal. Notwithstanding the above process, as this procurement exercise is a renewal of an existing ESPO framework, ESPO reserves the right to engage with some, all or none of the incumbent suppliers appointed to the existing ESPO framework, alongside any additional suppliers identified following the above expressions of interests and/or a RFI exercise.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0510da
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074312-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,333,333 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,333,333 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Today
Submission Deadline
4 Sep 20265 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
1 Sep 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, TRADING AS ESPO
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LEICESTER
Postcode
LE19 1ES
Post Town
Leicester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF22 Leicestershire CC and Rutland
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Blaby
Electoral Ward
Enderby
Westminster Constituency
South Leicestershire

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0510da-2026-08-05T15:31:42+01:00",
    "date": "2026-08-05T15:31:42+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0510da",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "planning": {
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "020457-2025",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK1",
                "description": "Pipeline notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020457-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-05-12T13:13:19+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "050071-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050071-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-28T09:50:16+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "The purpose of the Pre-Market Engagement (PME) is to cover a range of topics designed to best explore our requirements in a possible future procurement. These topics may include: 1. Develop ESPO's requirements and approach to the procurement. 2. Help better identify suitable suppliers in the market and to understand their supply chains. 3. Understand products/service offerings from suppliers and the marketplace in general. Engagement with suppliers is anticipated to be a mix of methods, including Requests for Information (RFI) hosted on the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (www.eastmidstenders.org), and meetings (both virtual and in-person). Visits to supplier's premises may also be used where deemed to be of particular use. Suppliers wishing to participate in the engagement process must first express an interest as follows: (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '199_27' (via \"View Opportunities\" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest. Suppliers can then access the RFI questionnaire in the 'Messages' section via the 'Activity' dashboard once an expression of interest has been registered - the deadline for responding to the RFI is 17:00 (5pm) on 12 June 2026. Responses to the RFI as well as any questions or clarifications should be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal. Notwithstanding the above process, as this procurement exercise is a renewal of an existing ESPO framework, ESPO reserves the right to engage with some, all or none of the incumbent suppliers appointed to the existing ESPO framework, alongside any additional suppliers identified following the above expressions of interests and/or a RFI exercise.",
                "dueDate": "2026-06-19T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PYDD-1122-TCVN",
            "name": "Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PYDD-1122-TCVN"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby",
                "locality": "Leicester",
                "postalCode": "LE19 1ES",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKF22"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Catalogue Procurement Team",
                "email": "tenders@espo.org"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.espo.org/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PYDD-1122-TCVN",
        "name": "Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "199_27",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "199_27 Design and Technology Materials and Equipment",
        "description": "ESPO is a trading department of Leicestershire County Council. It is a non-profit making body owned and operated jointly by six local authorities. We provide a catalogue range, providing our customers with access to over 28,000 products that cover all key areas of education and wider public sector requirements. We are establishing a catalogue framework for the supply of D&T materials and equipment for use in education settings, with goods to be delivered either to ESPO's distribution centre, Leicester, or for direct delivery to ESPO customer premises. The Framework is divided into 2 lots. Please refer to the tender documents for any further details (including further details on each of the lots) - the closing date for submission of Tenders is 12:00 (12 noon / 12pm) on 04 September 2026. To tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity 199_27 (via \"View Opportunities\" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); (d) Express an interest; (e) Download the tender documents (from the ProContract Activity summary screen). Any questions or clarifications relating to this tender opportunity should be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal, once an Expression of interest has been completed.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "39162000",
                        "description": "Educational equipment"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "37524900",
                        "description": "Game kits"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "42715000",
                        "description": "Sewing machines"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "03415000",
                        "description": "Softwood"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "31711100",
                        "description": "Electronic components"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "44511000",
                        "description": "Hand tools"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "39241100",
                        "description": "Knives"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "39162000",
                        "description": "Educational equipment"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "37524900",
                        "description": "Game kits"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "42715000",
                        "description": "Sewing machines"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "03415000",
                        "description": "Softwood"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "31711100",
                        "description": "Electronic components"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "44511000",
                        "description": "Hand tools"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "39241100",
                        "description": "Knives"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "24910000",
                        "description": "Glues"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "44810000",
                        "description": "Paints"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 1600000,
            "currency": "GBP",
            "amount": 1333333
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "method": "withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "closed",
                "description": "It should be noted that the Framework could be used, as outlined in option 1 and 2 below, by ESPO where D&T materials and equipment are required: Option 1 - Call-off without competition 'Calling-off' Goods from the awarded Supplier who is a) included in the Framework and b) identified as offering the most advantageous solution to ESPO's requirements, based on the Framework award decision. For all Lots (including sub-lots), purchase orders will be placed with the awarded Supplier(s) as required by ESPO. Option 2 - Call-off with competition (Further Competitive Selection Process) 'Calling-off' through a further competitive selection process between suppliers appointed to the relevant Lot or Sub-Lot and capable of meeting the requirement. As such, all Framework Suppliers may not be invited to every further competition. Please refer to the tender documents for any further details."
            }
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-01-01T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2030-12-31T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "active",
                "title": "Supply of Design and Technology Product Ranges - By Category",
                "description": "Lot 1 is for the supply of Construction Kits, Modelling Kits and Educational Sets, Coding and Robotics Educational Sets, Badge Making Equipment, D&T Components, Electronics Equipment and Components, Tools, Accessories and Furniture, 3D Printing Equipment and Accessories, D&T Classroom Machinery, and Sewing Machines & Accessories, all for use in educational environments. Delivery is to ESPO's distribution centre, Leicester, or for direct delivery to ESPO customer premises.",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 760000,
                    "amount": 633333,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price (Lot 1)",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Non-Price (Lot 1)",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 80,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2028), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 33 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above."
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 199_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope."
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Supply of Design and Technology Product Ranges - By Sub-Lot",
                "description": "Lot 2 is for the supply of construction kits, recordable teaching aid devices, electricity kits, textiles machinery, classroom kits, robotics, programmable systems, 3D printers and accessories, badge making machines and accessories. Items include wood, acrylic and modelling material packs, D&T and cardboard components, glue guns and glue sticks, a variety of spray paints all for use in educational environments. Delivery is to ESPO's distribution centre, Leicester, or for direct delivery to ESPO customer premises.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 840000,
                    "amount": 700000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price (Lot 2)",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 80,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Non-Price (Lot 2)",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2027-01-01T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2028-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2030-12-31T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2028), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 33 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above."
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 199_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope."
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-09-01T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "participationFees": [
            {
                "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0510da",
                "type": [
                    "win"
                ],
                "relativeValue": {
                    "proportion": 0.01,
                    "monetaryValue": "award"
                },
                "description": "As a public body, ESPO has a statutory obligation to recover the costs incurred in the management of this Framework. This obligation is met by means of a Framework Fee that will be payable by Suppliers to ESPO and will be based on a percentage of the total turnover of business conducted by them under the Framework. The Framework Fee will be at a rate of 1% for this Framework and shall be payable every three months. For further details, please refer to the tender documents."
            }
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Refer to all instructions captured via https://www.eastmidstenders.org/",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-09-04T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-08-21T17:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-11-27T23:59:59+00:00"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "To tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity 199_27 (via \"View Opportunities\" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); (d) Express an interest; (e) Download the tender documents (from the ProContract Activity summary screen).",
                "url": "https://www.eastmidstenders.org/"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-2",
                "documentType": "technicalSpecifications",
                "description": "Please refer to the tender documents (see above for further details including summary instructions on how to access these).",
                "url": "https://www.eastmidstenders.org/"
            },
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "074312-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074312-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-08-05T15:31:42+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}