| Date | Category |
|---|---|
| 31st July 2023 | Member Update |
(3-minute read)
We are pleased to announce SUPC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC, and NWUPC members can now access the re-tendered Serials, Periodicals, and Associated Services (Print and Digital) framework.
Led by Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC) and tendered in conjunction with the library consortia Academic Libraries North, MUAL, NEYAL, and WHELF, the agreement provides a compliant and responsible route for universities to procure subscriptions agent services for their print and digital periodicals requirements.
Offering a cost-effective procurement option with access to three reputable and long-established agents, SUPC expects in excess of £180m in university and public sector spend throughout the four-year framework. The agreement will run from 1 August 2023 until 31 July 2025, with extension options until 31 July 2027.
The agreement is open to all SUPC members, as well as those from the following consortia: HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC, NWUPC.
The main changes from the previous agreement include:
- Revised pricing mechanisms to support long-term robustness of services in light of sector Open Access publishing requirements;
- Options for standard service at standard pricing or alternative pricing for members with more complex requirements;
- Call-off agreement changed from an awkward deed to a simpler contract.
Key benefits of using the Serials, Periodicals, and Associated Services (Print and Digital) framework agreement:
- Inclusion of the key agents available to UK customers;
- Flexibility for new services to develop and to be accessed via the agreement;
- An easy and compliant route to market for participating organisations;
- User guides, support, and templates.
The following suppliers have been awarded to the agreement:
- EBSCO International Inc
- Otto Harrassowitz Gmbh & Co. KG
- Prenax Limited
How do I call-off from the framework agreement?
Call-off from this framework agreement is by means of direct award (unranked), desktop exercise, or further competition.
How has sustainability, equality and diversity been considered as part of the tender?
- Sustainability is of key concern to the HE sector and our suppliers are encouraged to operate and promote sustainable practices.
- As well as ensuring compliance with mandatory responsible procurement requirements, suppliers were evaluated in terms of their approach to:
o Carbon reduction initiatives both internally and within their supply chains;
o Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives;
o Commitments to delivering social value including community and voluntary schemes supported.
Further information
Launching the Serials, Periodicals, and Associated Services (Print and Digital) framework, Leigh Kopec, Head of SUPC says: “the evolving nature of the sector’s requirement for Open Access publishing has created disruption and pricing challenges for the much-valued subscriptions agent market and this looks set to continue. As universities strive to support teaching and research in innovative and cost-effective ways, this new framework agreement exists to deliver value to members while ensuring sustainable pricing for trusted suppliers.”
Full agreement details including how to use the agreement are available through the HE Contracts Database.
About SUPC
At Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC), we help universities and colleges buy smarter. Members use our frameworks and support services to make sure their procurement activities deliver value for money to students, staff and wider communities. We are part of the SUMS group, which also includes SUMS Consulting and the Procurement Shared Service. The SUMS group provides procurement and consultancy solutions to the higher education sector.
Explore more benefits of SUPC membership, here.