Decision details

We are seeking permission to go out to tender  to establish a new corporate framework for the provision of Communications and Print Services, this includes the procurement of creative design and products for campaigns, including (but not exclusively) promotion/advertising of council services through social media, printed products (leaflets, brochures), outdoor advertising, signage on buildings and postal literature.

The Director of Policy, Performance and Communications, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services approves conducting a fully EU compliant DPS competition process to cover our ongoing print and communications requirements, the resultant DPS Framework will operate for a four year period ensuring full compliance to PCR regulations and the Council’s Standing orders.

The recommended approach will ensure that we have a PCR compliant approach to the procurement of these services. 

The proposal to use a Dynamic Purchasing Solution will have a series of benefits both for the Council and for suppliers.

As this is identified and regular recurring third party spend, outside the scope and capability of the in house provision and at a financial level that triggers a procurement under PCR 2015 regulations and the Standing Orders of the Council there is limited opportunity to consider options other than the route to market.

On the basis of benefit realisation via mandated use of the software to manage this service provision and the ability of the system to support a fully compliant EU recognised procurement process with many additional and ongoing benefits this route provides the least cost, most flexible option considered as part of the BIP in this service area. This process will allow us to bespoke our requirements and offer our customers the level of service they have not had fully in the past and will stimulate interest in a much wider supply base.