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002652 Shared Repository Service

British Library Board

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

02 Jan 2026 at 09:44

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

17 Nov 2025 at 16:02

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Tender

01 Sep 2025 at 12:05

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The British Library Board sought suppliers for its Shared Repository Service for the next operational phase starting on 1 January 2026 and running until 31 March 2029. Located in London, the procurement was conducted through an open procedure and involved IT services, including consulting, software development, and Internet support, as well as research services. The contract was awarded in its entirety, with the initial contract period lasting 15 months, from 2026-01-01 to 2027-03-31, and options available to extend it for an additional 12 + 12 months should the cost recovery model prove effective. The contract, valued at £296,650 initially, is intended to transition to a cost recovery model, facilitating ongoing discovery and access to over 16,000 research outputs. The contract was signed with the supplier, 4Science S.p.A., based in Milan, Italy.

This tender presents significant opportunities for growth for businesses specialising in IT consulting, software development, and research services. Ideal for SMEs, it highlights the importance of delivering quality technology solutions and support services. Companies offering robust integration capabilities, data access solutions, and repository management systems would find this contract particularly beneficial. As part of Central Government procurement, it reflects a stable and potentially long-term partnership that opens doors to further public sector opportunities. The emphasis on transitioning to a cost recovery model suggests that innovative cost-management strategies and value-added services could enhance competitiveness in future procurement engagements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

002652 Shared Repository Service

Notice Description

The British Library was seeking suppliers for the Shared Repository Service (https://iro.bl.uk/) for its next phase of operation from 1.1.2026 - 31.3.2029. During this period, the Shared Repository Service will transition to a cost recovery model. The initial duration of this contract is 15 months (1.1.2026-31.3.2027) with an option to extend for a further 12 + 12 months, subject to the success of the cost recovery model. The service currently provides discovery and access to over 16,000 research outputs, including articles, datasets, conference contributions, theses etc.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The British Library is seeking suppliers for the Shared Repository Service for its next phase of operation from 1.1.2026 - 31.3.2029. During this period, the Shared Repository Service will transition to a cost recovery model. The initial duration of this contract is 15 months 1.1.2026-31.3.2027 with an option to extend for a further 12 + 12 months, subject to the success of the cost recovery model.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059137
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000005-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£340,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£340,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£296,650 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£296,650 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Jan 20267 months ago
Submission Deadline
30 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Nov 20259 months ago
Contract Period
1 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
British Library Board
Additional Buyers

British Library

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
NW1 2DB
Postcode Area
North West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI36 Camden
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Camden
Electoral Ward
St Pancras & Somers Town
Westminster Constituency
Holborn and St Pancras

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

4Science S.p.A.

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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