This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Summary of the contracting process

The recent procurement process for the "SHEDL eBook Collections - Springer Nature" contract was undertaken by APUC Limited, a central purchasing body based in Stirling, UK. This completed contract aims to provide Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL) member institutions, as well as the National Library of Scotland, with access to Springer Nature's online books without DRM restrictions for up to four years. The contract was directly awarded to Springer Nature Customer Service Center GmbH through a limited procurement method, justifying the absence of a competitive call due to the unique nature of the publishing service. The procurement process, rooted in the derogation within Regulation 33(b)(i) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, concluded with a contract valued at approximately £2,500,000, signed on 11th February 2025. This award opens service opportunities at the Scottish regional level within the education industry sector.

This procurement offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in the provision and management of academic eBook collections, particularly those with unique offerings like Springer Nature. Companies with expertise in digital content delivery, library systems integration, and large-scale digital distribution would ideally be positioned to engage in similar future opportunities. Moreover, businesses that can demonstrate the ability to partner with public organisations, facilitating access and smooth management of digital resources, can find fertile ground to offer their solutions in Scotland and potentially expand their reach across higher education institutions. Such collaborations not only bolster business growth but also enhance visibility in niche markets involving large-scale educational resource provision.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

SHEDL eBook Collections - Springer Nature

Notice Description

APUC is seeking to enter into an agreement with Springer Nature to offer Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL) members institutions access to Springer Nature online books, free of digital rights management (DRM), for up to 4 years. APUC will not use the content but will facilitate the purchase on behalf of the HE institutions in Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. The Contract value is estimated based on potential participation by its members

Lot Information

Lot 1

APUC is seeking to enter into an agreement with Springer Nature to offer Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL) members institutions access to Springer Nature online books, free of digital rights management (DRM), for up to 4 years.. The contract value is an estimate based on the potential aggregated subscription values over the possible term of 48 months. APUC will not use or make payments under this contract but will facilitate the agreement on behalf of the Scottish HE Institutions and the National Library of Scotland.

Procurement Information

The publishing service is unique to the supplier and sector. The agreement falls within the derogation contained within Regulation 33(b)(i)of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, permitting APUC to enter into the direct award.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000790188
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL535283
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

22 - Printed matter and related products

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

22113000 - Library books

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£2,500,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Jul 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
11 Feb 20251 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
APUC Limited
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
STIRLING
Postcode
FK8 2DZ
Postcode Area
Falkirk and Stirling
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM0 Eastern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM02 Perth and Kinross, and Stirling
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
Stirling
Electoral Ward
Stirling East
Westminster Constituency
Stirling and Strathallan

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

Springer Nature

Springer Nature Customer Service Center GmbH

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB523702
    SHEDL eBook Collections - Springer Nature - APUC is seeking to enter into an agreement with Springer Nature to offer Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL) members institutions access to Springer Nature online books, free of digital rights management (DRM), for up to 4 years. APUC will not use the content but will facilitate the purchase on behalf of the HE institutions in Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. The Contract value is estimated based on potential participation by its members
  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL535283
    SHEDL eBook Collections - Springer Nature - APUC is seeking to enter into an agreement with Springer Nature to offer Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL) members institutions access to Springer Nature online books, free of digital rights management (DRM), for up to 4 years. APUC will not use the content but will facilitate the purchase on behalf of the HE institutions in Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. The Contract value is estimated based on potential participation by its members

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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