Storage, fulfilment and worldwide freighting

The contract timeline includes the following key milestones and phases:

• Tender issue: Week commencing 3rd August.
• Deadline for Tenderers' clarification questions: 26th August.
• Clarification answers provided by: 8th September.
• Tender return deadline: 11:00 am on 30th September.
• Evaluation period: October - November.
• Notification of proposed Contract award leading to standstill period: Early December.
• Estimated Contract award: Mid-December.
• Implementation: Early January 2027.
• Stock transfer and contract go-live: Stock transfer will start during January 2027, with the contract going live within 12 weeks.

The contract start date is associated with the implementation in early January 2027 and the contract going live within 12 weeks of stock transfer starting in January 2027.

The contract end date is not explicitly stated. The total duration is not explicitly stated as a fixed term, but it mentions pricing for "Year 1" and "further years" which will be linked to the CPI rate. Additionally, the Authority has the option to extend the contractor's obligations for further three-month periods, and may exercise this right multiple times.

The core scope of work for this tender is "Publication Storage & Fulfilment Services". The Statement of Work (SOW) outlines requirements and deliverables including:

• Implementation Plan: Encompassing receiving and building stock reserves, pick face and layout, technology and integration, packaging materials, branded documentation templates, express delivery services, and engagements such as meetings with the Authority or site visits.
• Data Transfer: Specifically, handling XML files.
• Warehouse Management System: Providing dashboards and reporting capabilities.
• Storage Facility: Meeting general requirements and managing stock holding.
• Stock Holding: Covering availability, inbound stock receipt, annual stock take, publication scrap, non-conforming product checks, and damaged stock.
• Returns Policy.
• Fulfilment: Including picking, packing and packaging, advice notes and labels, branded security seal tape, and documentation and clearance.
• Delivery Methods: Utilizing Express, Ex Works, and British Forces Post Office (BFPO) services.
• Rush Order Service.
• Warehousing & Storage Services: Providing warehouse space and availability, access to freight forwarding services, handling cargo awaiting collection by third parties (including handover to third-party carriers and couriers), and managing Print On Demand (POD) Paper.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Defined for First Time in Full (FTIF) and Account Management Service.
• General Requirements: Such as Account Management Service, Management Information, Security Requirements (data storage, destruction of surplus/redundant stock), Business Continuity, and ISO Certificates.