Tender

TLC Library Management System, Library App and Library Services Platform

LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

17 Jul 2025 at 08:55

Tender

16 Jul 2025 at 14:48

Planning

23 May 2025 at 13:18

Summary of the contracting process

The London Borough of Sutton is inviting suppliers to participate in a selective procurement process for the provision of a Library Management System, Library App, and Library Services Platform tailored for The Library Consortium (TLC). As one of England's largest public library consortia, TLC comprises 23 local authority members, serving 8.2 million residents with 7.3 million items across 318 libraries. The contract seeks a single supplier to enter a framework agreement, valued at £11 million net, over a six-year term. The procurement is being conducted under the Procurement Act 2023 through a Competitive Flexible Procedure, with key stages including Participation, Dialogue, and Tender. Interested parties must express their interest by 11 August 2025, with clarification questions allowed until 4 August 2025. The contract is available across multiple UK regions including UKC, UKD, and UKI, aiming for enhanced library services through seamless integration and innovative technological solutions.

This procurement offers significant growth opportunities, especially for businesses specialising in library automation equipment, software development, and library services, classified under the CPV codes relevant to these categories. Ideal contenders would be adept at delivering value for money and capable of developing customised solutions for consortium members, leveraging consortium-wide interoperability while preserving local branding. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are welcomed to participate in this competitive tender, fostering innovation in public library resources management and digital service delivery. The framework's focus on interoperability, analytics, and user-centric platform development makes it an exciting opportunity for tech-driven companies looking to expand their market presence in the public sector.

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Notice Title

TLC Library Management System, Library App and Library Services Platform

Notice Description

The procurement is being carried by the London Borough of Sutton on behalf of The Library Consortium (TLC). TLC, was originally formed of three authorities in 2004 who came together to share resources and contracts to get the best value for money for customers and their authorities. TLC is a consortium of member authorities. It is not a legal entity. Each member authority takes responsibility for contractual arrangements with Suppliers and providers. TLC members become party to the Consortium's Framework(s) and can order (or 'call-off') the goods, works or services covered by the relevant Framework(s). Framework agreements are set up by public sector bodies with Suppliers to provide goods, works or services according to certain requirements - e.g. price, quality and quantity. For TLC, the Framework is arranged centrally by the London Borough of Sutton for use across the Consortium. At the core of the Consortium is the Library Management System, but the Consortium also procures contracts jointly for stock, transport and digital resources, including eBooks. With 23 local authority members, TLC is one of the largest public library consortia in England, consisting of: > 8.2 million residents > 7.3 million items > 318 libraries The Authority is looking to put in place a framework with a single supplier for a period of 6 years. The requirements include: > Library Management System (LMS) staff functionality - Ease of use, logical LMS system functionality: (1) Allows full functionality/interoperability of systems and stock sharing throughout TLC but enables local autonomy (for example: local fees/charges setting) and local authority branding. (2) A dynamic set of processes that allow full stock sharing and reserving of physical items giving customers an efficient and seamless journey regardless of their main library service provider. System integrations: to work seamlessly with any third party provision required by TLC members (e.g. eStock. Self Access) Library App fully functional and innovative Library app which can be customised and branded at a local level Library Service Platform (Discovery); (1) Innovative "one-stop" digital platform for customers (2) Customisable for each TLC member (3) Satisfies the needs of customers with streamlined access to all library functions and services (events, payments, catalogue searching, account management, etc.) Analytics: A completely flexible analytics interface enabling authorities to create and interrogate any facet(s) of library data they choose Vision: TLC has a constant desire to innovate and push the boundaries of public library provision. All products will need to be continually developed in order to remain relevant and innovative to provide the best outcomes for customers and local authorities Value for money: Value for money and income generation opportunities remain essential.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-052303
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040745-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

30 - Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages

48 - Software package and information systems

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

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services


CPV Codes

30238000 - Library automation equipment

48160000 - Library software package

72212160 - Library software development services

92511000 - Library services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£11,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£11,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
4 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
9 Jun 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2033 Over 5 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
LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
commercial.procurement@sutton.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SUTTON
Postcode
SM1 1EA
Post Town
Sutton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI6 Outer London - South
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI63 Merton, Kingston upon Thames and Sutton
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Sutton
Electoral Ward
Sutton Central
Westminster Constituency
Sutton and Cheam

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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