This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

01 Jul 2025 at 01:00

Tender

06 Feb 2025 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The Scottish Government is initiating an open procurement process for the "SPPD - Postal Services Framework" focusing on postal service provisions within Scotland's public sector. This framework encompasses two lots to be awarded, namely Lot 1 for Physical Mail, Hybrid Mail, and Mail Security Screening, and Lot 2 for Hybrid Mail and Digital Services. The unsuccessful award notice was published on 1st July 2025, following the tender issued on 6th February 2025, with the procurement stage specified as 'award.' The procurement falls under the 'services' category, specifically targeting regions within the UKM classification. Key dates noted include the tender period ending on 12th March 2025, aligning with the award commencement on the same date. The contract is estimated to be valued up to £120,000,000 GBP with an expected duration of four years.

This postal services framework offers extensive opportunities for businesses within the mail and digital communication sectors to engage in transformative service delivery across Scotland. By competing in either of the two lots, businesses specialising in mail logistics, digital communications, software solutions, and security screening stand to gain substantial growth from long-term collaboration with public sector bodies. The procurement process, structured as an open procedure, encourages widespread participation, ensuring that entities capable of providing high-quality postal solutions can secure pivotal service contracts that enhance their portfolio. With a focus on community benefits and engaging SMEs within the supply chain, this opportunity is ideal for businesses aiming to expand their market reach while contributing sustainably to local communities.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

SPPD - Postal Services Framework

Notice Description

The Scottish Ministers wish to award a Framework Agreement for the provision of Postal Services for users throughout the public sector in Scotland. The Framework Agreement will comprise of 2 Lots with one supplier appointed to each: Lot 1 - One Stop Shop for Physical Mail, Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print & Post), Software and Digital Mail, and Mail Security Screening Lot 2 - Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print & Post), Software and Digital Mail Services Lot limiting - Tenderers may bid for all Lots, however, a Tenderer may only be successful in one of these Lots. For Lots 1 and 2, we will undertake the evaluation in sequence and evaluate Lot 1 first. The Tenderers with the most economically advantageous tender in Lot 1 will be the preferred Tenderers for Lot 1. If the preferred Tenderers for Lot 1 also bid for Lot 2, they will be eliminated from consideration for Lot 2. From the remaining bids in Lot 2 the Tenderers with the most economically advantageous tender will be the preferred Tenderers for Lot 2.

Lot Information

Lot 1 - One Stop Shop for Physical Mail, Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print and Post), Software and Digital Mail and Mail Security Screening

Lot 1 of this Framework Agreement is for the provision of a One Stop Shop for the following postal services - Physical Mail, Hybrid, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print and Post), Software and Digital Mail Services, and Mail Security Screening Physical Mail - The collection and delivery of mail from Framework Public Bodies throughout Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands. It is prepared for posting by the Framework Public Body and collected by the Contractor from Framework Public Body sites. It is sorted by the Contractor and either delivered directly to recipients by the Contractor if they operate an end to end process, or injected into the Royal Mail network 'downstream' for final mile delivery by Royal Mail. Off Site Hybrid - The Contractor shall provide an off site hybrid mail service via a web-based or cloud hosted solution allowing a fully digital process up to the point of print; Scheduled/Regular Bulk mail - The production and delivery of planned or bulk mailings including includes, but is not limited to health screening service letters, generic health messaging, appointment letters and reminders; council tax notices and reminders, bursary notices, prospectus packs Digital e Communications - The provision of additional and alternative options to physical print of mail items, including but not limited to SMS (text messaging) communications, Email communications, Secure web-based communications. Software - The Contractor shall be permitted to deliver the required Hybrid, Scheduled Regular/Bulk (Print & Post) and Digital Mail services and/or solutions to Framework Public Body through the provision of the following: desktop solution and/or supporting software, web-based solutions and/or supporting software, development of a Framework Public Body portal or via a contractor's website interface. Mail Security Screening - The Contractor shall be capable of fulfilling a broad range of Framework Public Body requirements this shall include security screening services for a variety of inbound mail items; which shall include documents and parcels; and the security screening shall be for a range of hazardous items and materials.. The Authority accepts that Down Stream Access (DSA) may be a solution offered by Contractors under this Framework Agreement. Where this is the case, tenderers should be in possession of an access agreement with the universal service provider, Royal Mail, and if required to, be prepared to provide the Authority with evidence of this agreement.

Renewal: The Framework will be in place for a 4 year period, after this the Framework may be subject to renewal.

Lot 2 - Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print and Post), Software and Digital Mail

Lot 2 of this Framework Agreement is for the provision of the following postal services - Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print and Post), Software and Digital Mail Services. Off Site Hybrid Mail - The Contractor shall provide an off site hybrid mail service via a web-based or cloud hosted solution allowing a fully digital process up to the point of print. Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail - The production and delivery of planned or bulk mailings including includes, but is not limited to health screening service letters, generic health messaging, appointment letters and reminders; council tax notices and reminders, bursary notices, prospectus packs. Digital e Communications - The provision of additional and alternative options to physical print of mail items, including but not limited to SMS (text messaging) communications, Email communications, Secure web-based communications. Software - The Contractor shall be permitted to deliver the required Hybrid, Scheduled Regular/Bulk (Print & Post), and Digital Mail services and/or solutions to Framework Public Body through the provision of the following: desktop solution and/or supporting software, web-based solutions and/or supporting software, development of a Framework Public Body portal or via a contractor's website interface.. The Authority accepts that Down Stream Access (DSA) may be a solution offered by Contractors under this Framework Agreement. Where this is the case, tenderers should be in possession of an access agreement with the universal service provider, Royal Mail, and if required to, be prepared to provide the Authority with evidence of this agreement.

Renewal: The Framework will be placed for a 4 year period, after this the Framework may be subject to renewal.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000788156
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL533647
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

64 - Postal and telecommunications services


CPV Codes

64110000 - Postal services

64112000 - Postal services related to letters

64113000 - Postal services related to parcels

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£96,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£96,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 Jul 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
12 Mar 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
1 Jul 20251 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
within 4 years

Notice Status

Tender Status
Unsuccessful
Lots Status
Unsuccessful
Awards Status
Unsuccessful
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Scottish Government
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH6 6QQ
Postcode Area
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Leith
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh North and Leith

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB523380
    SPPD - Postal Services Framework - The Scottish Ministers wish to award a Framework Agreement for the provision of Postal Services for users throughout the public sector in Scotland. The Framework Agreement will comprise of 2 Lots with one supplier appointed to each: Lot 1 - One Stop Shop for Physical Mail, Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print & Post), Software and Digital Mail, and Mail Security Screening Lot 2 - Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print & Post), Software and Digital Mail Services Lot limiting - Tenderers may bid for all Lots, however, a Tenderer may only be successful in one of these Lots. For Lots 1 and 2, we will undertake the evaluation in sequence and evaluate Lot 1 first. The Tenderers with the most economically advantageous tender in Lot 1 will be the preferred Tenderers for Lot 1. If the preferred Tenderers for Lot 1 also bid for Lot 2, they will be eliminated from consideration for Lot 2. From the remaining bids in Lot 2 the Tenderers with the most economically advantageous tender will be the preferred Tenderers for Lot 2.
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL533647
    SPPD - Postal Services Framework - The Scottish Ministers wish to award a Framework Agreement for the provision of Postal Services for users throughout the public sector in Scotland. The Framework Agreement will comprise of 2 Lots with one supplier appointed to each: Lot 1 - One Stop Shop for Physical Mail, Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print & Post), Software and Digital Mail, and Mail Security Screening Lot 2 - Hybrid Mail, Scheduled/Regular Bulk Mail (Print & Post), Software and Digital Mail Services Lot limiting - Tenderers may bid for all Lots, however, a Tenderer may only be successful in one of these Lots. For Lots 1 and 2, we will undertake the evaluation in sequence and evaluate Lot 1 first. The Tenderers with the most economically advantageous tender in Lot 1 will be the preferred Tenderers for Lot 1. If the preferred Tenderers for Lot 1 also bid for Lot 2, they will be eliminated from consideration for Lot 2. From the remaining bids in Lot 2 the Tenderers with the most economically advantageous tender will be the preferred Tenderers for Lot 2.

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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.

Loading OCDS record...