Tender

Appointment of Guidebook Publisher 2025 (Second Issue)

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL NAVY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderCancellation

29 Jan 2026 at 14:30

UK12 - Procurement Termination Notice
Tender

23 Jul 2025 at 13:20

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, a public authority under central government, initiated a procurement process for the "Appointment of Guidebook Publisher 2025 (Second Issue)." The contracting authority is based in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, and is seeking a supplier to produce and print its souvenir guidebooks over a five-year period starting in September 2025. The procurement process was initially active, with a tender stage involving an open competition method below the threshold. The tender was open for submissions electronically until 18th August 2025. However, a tender cancellation notice was later issued on 29th January 2026, stating the procurement was withdrawn to reassess the approach, coinciding with a new corporate strategy and brand implications for the museum.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities for organisations capable of design and printing, specifically in the printed matter and related product sector. Ideal candidates would be SMEs with expertise in producing high-quality guidebooks aligned with branding strategies, as these publications would enhance visitor experience and support commercial revenue through both physical sales and digital platforms. Participation in this procurement process could facilitate a long-term partnership with a prominent national institution, potentially opening avenues for future collaborations and exposure across multiple NMRN sites. Although this specific opportunity was cancelled, businesses involved have the advantage of preparing for forthcoming tenders as the museum reassesses its procurement plans, aligning with its evolving brand strategy.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Appointment of Guidebook Publisher 2025 (Second Issue)

Notice Description

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) are seeking through this tender process to appoint a supplier to produce and print its range of souvenir guidebooks for a 5-year period commencing in September 2025. This appointment will be contracted to the NMRN Trading Company, with the procurement undertaken by NMRN Operations. The contractor should be able to undertake both the design and printing elements. Examples of our key objectives include: - To maximise commercial revenue through sales of the guidebooks at all physical NMRN sites and through the digital journey. - The NMRN are progressing a new brand redevelopment that will launch in 2025, of which at the point of reprint, the guidebooks will need to embody, increasing and extending our brand awareness. - To enhance the visitor experience whilst on site. - To contribute to the NMRN's overall interpretation strategy, as articulated within its master narrative All details of the guidebooks required to be published under this tender are included within the ITT itself. This includes setting out your pricing proposals. The NMRN are not accepting physical examples of guidebooks, only PDF examples are to be sent alongside submissions on the tender deadline stated on this advert. Clarifications are to be sent to tenders@nmrn.org.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0564a9
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/008100-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK12 - Procurement Termination Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

22 - Printed matter and related products

CPV Codes

22000000 - Printed matter and related products

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£206,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£206,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Jan 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
18 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
29 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2030 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Cancelled
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL NAVY
Additional Buyers

MISSING

Contact Name
Dave Hartley
Contact Email
procurement@nmrn.org.uk
Contact Phone
+442392891370

Buyer Location

Locality
PORTSMOUTH
Postcode
PO1 3NH
Post Town
Portsmouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ31 Portsmouth
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
Charles Dickens
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth South

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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