Award

Public Library of Science (PLOS) 2026-2027

JISC

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

28 Nov 2025 at 11:18

Award

19 Sep 2025 at 11:28

Award

18 Sep 2025 at 10:38

Summary of the contracting process

The contract process involves Jisc Services Ltd entering into a direct agreement with the Public Library of Science (PLOS) for the period of 2026-2027. The procurement falls within the education and training services category, specifically focusing on uncapped publishing across various journal bundles for Jisc members. This contract, valued at USD 4,050,000, is for use exclusively by Jisc Members. The process was completed without competition as PLOS holds exclusive intellectual property rights, making them the sole supplier of this unique resource. The main procurement phase, completed with an award announced on 28th November 2025, is the finalised contract starting on 1st January 2026 and ending on 31st December 2027. The buying organisation, Jisc, is based in Bristol, UK.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities, especially for entities within the education sector, including higher and further education institutions, research councils, and related consortia in the United Kingdom. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary community and social enterprises (VCSEs) with capabilities in open access publishing and educational services would find this contract relevant. Since the procurement method is direct, suitable businesses must focus on unique resources or hold specific rights or skills to meet such exclusive criteria from contracting authorities like Jisc.

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Notice Title

Public Library of Science (PLOS) 2026-2027

Notice Description

Jisc Services Ltd has entered into an agreement with the Public Library of Science (PLOS). Jisc members pay an annual participation fee for uncapped publishing in one or a combination of journal bundles: Community Action Publishing, and/ or OA Flat Fee Publishing, and/ or Global Equity. Participating institutions will be part of a community supporting a new funding model for highly-selective open access journals. The contract will be with Jisc Services Limited as a subsidiary of Jisc. This contract is for use by Jisc Members only and not for Jisc's own use.

Procurement Information

The supplier is the rightsholder to the IP of the content and the sole supplier of this unique resource.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059cf6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/078004-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£4,050,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£4,050,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Nov 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
18 Sep 20255 months ago
Contract Period
1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active, Pending
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
JISC
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@jisc.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS1 6NB
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK51 Bristol, City of
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Bristol, City of
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Bristol Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

PUBLIC LIBRARY OF SCIENCE

PUBLIC LIBRARY OF SCIENCE (PLOS

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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