Planning

Printed Book Production/PME/PRO/2026

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

28 Jan 2026 at 16:53

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Open University is preparing to initiate a procurement process for Printed Book Production Services to support the delivery of student course materials. This process is currently in the planning stage and involves a dual supplier framework anticipated to run from 1st October 2026 to 30th September 2030. Located in Milton Keynes, UK, The Open University, classified as a public authority under sub-central government, plans to assess market interest through preliminary market engagement. Interested suppliers must complete the engagement questionnaire by 12th February 2026, and further communication is expected by 3rd March 2026. The opportunity falls under the goods category, specifically printed books, brochures, and leaflets.

This tender offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses involved in the production of printed materials, including mono, two-colour, and four-colour text books, under varying specifications. It is well-suited for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with capabilities in producing diverse book formats and handling contracts of significant value, potentially reaching £5 million over four years. Participating in the preliminary market engagement can offer businesses insight and a competitive edge for the subsequent tendering process, contributing to long-term collaboration with a prominent academic institution.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Printed Book Production/PME/PRO/2026

Notice Description

The Open University (OU) is preparing to initiate a future procurement activity for the provision of Printed Book Production Services to support the delivery of student course materials. The intended procurement is likely to result in the appointment of two suppliers under a framework style arrangement. This notice is issued to undertake Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) in order to:- - Gauge market interest, and - Gather information to inform the development of the future procurement strategy and tender documentation. Participation in the PME is voluntary and non binding. Indicative Scope (high level) The OU produces printed learning materials in a range of standard book formats and specifications. These typically include:- -Mono, two colour and four colour text -A range of trim sizes -A variety of binding formats -A mix of new titles and reprints produced in varying volumes. Further details are provided within the PME documentation. The total contract value is in the region of PS5million across the framework and will alter with potential scope changes. It is anticipated that the contracts will be for a period of up to four years.

Planning Information

The Open University is currently preparing to initiate a procurement activity for a dual supplier framework for it’s Printed Book Production requirements for student course module materials. We wish to engage the market to establish the level of market interest and to gather information that will be beneficial in the tendering process. Suppliers who wish to participate in the market engagement exercise should complete the preliminary market engagement questionnaire by no later than the 12th February 2026. Participation or non-participation in this pre-procurement market engagement shall not prevent any supplier from participating in a potential procurement process in the future. Link to Preliminary Market Questionnaire, via the OU’s procurement portal:- https://in-tendhost.co.uk/openuniversity

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-061152
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007760-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

22 - Printed matter and related products

CPV Codes

22100000 - Printed books, brochures and leaflets

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Jan 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Mar 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
finance-tenders@open.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MILTON KEYNES
Postcode
MK7 6AA
Post Town
Milton Keynes
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ12 Milton Keynes
Delivery Location
TLJ12 Milton Keynes
Local Authority
Milton Keynes
Electoral Ward
Monkston
Westminster Constituency
Milton Keynes Central

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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