Super seven: Print experts rock up on £125m framework

Cabinet Office requires wide range of printer equipment

Seven print suppliers have been awarded a place on a section of a massive government framework to supply the public sector with up to £125m worth of print supplies.

The Multifunctional Devices, Managed Print and Content Services, and Records and Information Management framework is split into seven Lots.

All Lots, excluding Lot 2 and Lot 3, are due to be awarded in December, according to the Crown Commercial Service timetable for the framework. But the second and third lots were due to be awarded at the end of October. The CCS said there would be a delay on the award of Lot 2, and the contract award notice for Lot 3 was published yesterday (24 November).

Seven print specialists won a place on Lot 3 of the mega-framework: Canon; Capita Business Services; HP Inc; Konica; Lexmark; Vision (Office Automation); and Xerox.

According to the contract award notice, the suppliers will provide managing print and content-management services throughout the UK, tailored to provide management print strategies involving automation.

Lot 3 of the framework will last for four years, it added.

"The scope of this Lot 3 Managed Print and Content Management Services is for the provision of a fully outsourced solution which enables strategic management of information including printed output which is tailored to the requirements of contracting authorities.

"As part of the overall delivery of a fully outsourced solution the potential provider shall provide hardware, software, applications and ongoing management of the solution, as appropriate and consultancy services."