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Published 7 May 2026, 14:12 BST

Official UK procurement notice

161_27 Artist Grounds’, Brushes, Art Pads and Painting Tools

Official notice

Authority: Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO (Local council)

Framework agreement6 lotsGoodsOpen procedureAbove thresholdSME suitable
Sectors: Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages (30)Musical instruments, sport goods, games, toys, handicraft, art materials and accessories (37)Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products (39) Delivery: UK
Framework ceiling (notional)£6,666,667total for 6 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue · 2 value updates
Submissions closed 2 Oct 2026
Lots 6see the lot list below
Framework period 2 yrs 1 moends 31 Mar 2029 · up to 28 Feb 2031 with extensions · starts 1 Mar 2027

What is being bought6 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

ESPO is a trading department of Leicestershire County Council. It is a non-profit making body owned and operated jointly by six local authorities. We provide a catalogue range, providing our customers with access to over 28,000 products that cover all key areas of education and wider public sector requirements.

We are establishing a catalogue framework for the supply of Artist brushes, Artist grounds, portfolios, easels and mats for delivery to ESPO’s distribution centre and to individual customers.

The Framework is divided into 6 lots.

Please refer to the tender documents for any further details (including further details on each of the lots) - the closing date for submission of Tenders is 12:00 (12 noon / 12pm) on 02 October 2026.

To tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed):

(a) Go to www.eastmidstenders.org ↗ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract e.g., via procontract.due-north.com/Register ↗); (c) Search for tender opportunity 161_27 (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal, or alternatively via searching on procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index ↗); (d) Express an interest; (e) Download the tender documents (from the ProContract Activity summary screen).

Any questions or clarifications relating to this tender opportunity should be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal, once an Expression of interest has been completed.

CPV: Educational equipment · Handicraft and art supplies · Painters' brushes · Processed paper and paperboard

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Closed framework
Call-offs
call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Framework period
2 yrs 1 mo · up to 4 yrs from 1 Mar 2027
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)

1% of call-off value · As a public body, ESPO has a statutory obligation to recover the costs incurred in the management of this Framework. This obligation is met by means of a Framework Fee that will be payable by Suppliers to ESPO and will be based on a percentage of the total turnover of business conducted by them under the Framework.

The Framework Fee will be at a rate of 1% for this Framework and shall be payable every three months.

For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Published description of the framework

It should be noted that the Framework could be used, as outlined in option 1 and 2 below, by ESPO where Artists Ground’s, Brushes, Art Pads and Painting Tools are required:

Option 1 - Call-off without competition

'Calling-off' Goods from the awarded Supplier who is a) included in the Framework and b) identified as offering the most advantageous solution to ESPO's requirements, based on the Framework award decision.

For all Lots (including sub-lots), purchase orders will be placed with the awarded Supplier(s) as required by ESPO.

Option 2 - Call-off with competition (Further Competitive Selection Process)

'Calling-off' through a further competitive selection process between suppliers appointed to the relevant Lot or Sub-Lot and capable of meeting the requirement. As such, all Framework Suppliers may not be invited to every further competition.

Please refer to the tender documents for any further details.

Lots and requirements (6)Procurement structure

6 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lot · same evaluation weights on every lot
Lot #1Artist BrushesRenewal 2 yrs 1 moSMEPublished value£603,333

The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced artist brushes made of various materials such as hog hair brushes, synthetic brushes, round and flat brushes. These products are intended for use primarily within educational sector, with delivery to ESPO’s distribution centre (Supply Method A).

Contract period: 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2029 (2 yrs 1 mo) · up to 28 Feb 2031 with extensionsValue: £603,333 exc. VAT · £724,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: UKEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope. · Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
37800000 Handicraft and art supplies39224210 Painters' brushes
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Lot #2Painting Tools and EquipmentRenewal 2 yrs 1 moSMEPublished value£103,333

The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced painting tools and equipment, including rollers, painting knives, sponges, mixing tools and other accessories. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).

Contract period: 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2029 (2 yrs 1 mo) · up to 28 Feb 2031 with extensionsValue: £103,333 exc. VAT · £124,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: UKEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope. · Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
37800000 Handicraft and art supplies39224210 Painters' brushes
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Lot #3Artists Books, Pads and PapersRenewal 2 yrs 1 moSMEPublished value£4,793,333

The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced artists' books, pads and papers, including sketchbooks, cartridge paper, watercolour paper and specialist art papers. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).

Contract period: 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2029 (2 yrs 1 mo) · up to 28 Feb 2031 with extensionsValue: £4,793,333 exc. VAT · £5,752,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: UKEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope. · Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
30197600 Processed paper and paperboard37800000 Handicraft and art supplies
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Lot #4Drying Racks and EaselsRenewal 2 yrs 1 moSMEPublished value£533,333

The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced drying racks and easels suitable for use in educational art environments. Products include tabletop and floor-standing easels, drying racks and associated accessories, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre or direct delivery to individual customer establishments (Supply Method A and B).

Contract period: 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2029 (2 yrs 1 mo) · up to 28 Feb 2031 with extensionsValue: £533,333 exc. VAT · £640,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: UKEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope. · Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
37800000 Handicraft and art supplies
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Lot #5Portfolios and CanvassesRenewal 2 yrs 1 moSMEPublished value£413,333

The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced portfolios and canvases, including canvas boards, stretched canvases, canvas rolls and art storage portfolios. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).

Contract period: 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2029 (2 yrs 1 mo) · up to 28 Feb 2031 with extensionsValue: £413,333 exc. VAT · £496,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: UKEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope. · Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
30197600 Processed paper and paperboard37800000 Handicraft and art supplies39162000 Educational equipment
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

Lot #6Pots, Palettes and JarsRenewal 2 yrs 1 moSMEPublished value£220,000

The purpose of this Lot is to offer ESPO customers high quality and competitively priced products for use with paints and other art materials. Products include paint pots, mixing palettes, water pots, storage jars and related accessories. These products are intended for use primarily within the education sector, with delivery to ESPO's distribution centre (Supply Method A).

Contract period: 1 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2029 (2 yrs 1 mo) · up to 28 Feb 2031 with extensionsValue: £220,000 exc. VAT · £264,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: UKEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: ESPO reserves the right to add or remove products (i.e., those products listed within the Framework Pricing Schedule, 161_27) throughout the lifetime of the Framework, so long as they are within the Framework scope. · Once the initial period of the contract has ended (i.e., 31 March 2029), there is an option to extend the framework by up to a further 23 months. This is dependent on ESPO, ESPO Customers, and market needs, as well as the performance of sales. Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
37800000 Handicraft and art supplies39162000 Educational equipment
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored · same split on all 6 lots
Quality: 20%Price: 80%
Published sub-criteria (2)
  • Non-Price: 20%
  • Price: 80%
Published award criteria (2)
  • Price
  • Non-Price
Conditions of participation · identical on every lot2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation.

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 80 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 8 points. This one is won on the number: sharpen the price before polishing the prose.
  • “161_27 Artist Grounds’, Brushes, Art Pads and Painting Tools” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Goods
Notice status
Closed
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use this agreement
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
7 May 2026, 14:12 BST
Last source update
3 Sept 2026, 14:03 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 7 Jan 2027
Authority reference
161_27
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-083497
Latest notice
Tender notice (UK4)
Classification (CPV)
Educational equipmentHandicraft and art suppliesPainters' brushesProcessed paper and paperboard
Delivery area
UK
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-069373 Find a Tender

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: East Midlands Tendering
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free regional portal
Appointment period ends
2 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
Clarification deadline
25 Sept 2026, 17:00 BST
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)

call-off levy · 1% of call-off value · As a public body, ESPO has a statutory obligation to recover the costs incurred in the management of this Framework. This obligation is met by means of a Framework Fee that will be payable by Suppliers to ESPO and will be based on a percentage of the total turnover of business conducted by them under the Framework.

The Framework Fee will be at a rate of 1% for this Framework and shall be payable every three months.

For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Refer to all instructions captured via www.eastmidstenders.org ↗ (or alternatively by searching for the Opportunity on procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index ↗).

Timeline

7 May 2026 → 1 Mar 2027 · 8 dates
  1. Planning notice published168 days ago
    7 May 2026, 14:12 BST
  2. Market engagement104 days ago
    10 Jul 2026, 23:59 BST

    The purpose of the Pre-Market Engagement (PME) is to cover a range of topics designed to best explore our requirements in a possible future procurement. These topics may include:

    1. Develop ESPO’s requirements and approach to the procurement.
    2. Help better identify suitable suppliers in the market and to understand their supply chains.
    3. Understand products/service offerings from suppliers and the marketplace in general.

    Engagement with suppliers is anticipated to be a mix of methods, including Requests for Information (RFI) hosted on the EastMidsTenders eProcurement Portal (www.eastmidstenders.org ↗), and meetings (both virtual and in-person). Visits to supplier’s premises may also be used where deemed to be of particular use.

    Suppliers wishing to participate in the engagement process must first express an interest as follows:

    (a) Go to www.eastmidstenders.org ↗; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '161_27' (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest.

    Suppliers can then access the RFI questionnaire in the ‘Messages’ section via the ‘Activity’ dashboard once an expression of interest has been registered - the deadline for responding to the RFI is 17:00 (5pm) on 03 July 2026. Responses to the RFI as well as any questions or clarifications should be submitted to ESPO as a message on the eProcurement Portal.

    Notwithstanding the above process, as this procurement exercise is a renewal of an existing ESPO framework, ESPO reserves the right to engage with some, all or none of the incumbent suppliers appointed to the existing ESPO framework, alongside any additional suppliers identified following the above expressions of interests and/or a RFI exercise.

  3. Tender notice published49 days ago
    3 Sept 2026, 14:03 BST
  4. Next notice expected48 days ago
    4 Sept 2026, 23:59 BST
  5. Clarification questions by27 days ago
    25 Sept 2026, 17:00 BST
  6. Admission / appointment period ends20 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    2 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
  7. Today
    22 Oct 2026
  8. Award decision expected byin 77 days
    7 Jan 2027, 23:59 GMT
  9. Contract startsin 129 days
    1 Mar 2027

Notice history

8 events · 3 releases on Find a Tender · since 7 May 2026
  1. Pipeline notice published
    7 May 2026, 14:12 BST
    UK1
  2. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    28 May 2026, 10:51 BST
    UK2
  3. Published value published: £5,000,000
    28 May 2026, 10:51 BST
  4. Tender notice published
    3 Sept 2026, 14:03 BST
    UK4
  5. Published value updated to £6,666,667
    3 Sept 2026, 14:03 BST
    was £5,000,000
  6. Status changed to active
    3 Sept 2026, 14:03 BST
  7. Procurement method changed
    3 Sept 2026, 14:03 BST
  8. Deadline published: 2 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
    3 Sept 2026, 14:03 BST

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PYDD-1122-TCVN Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester, East Midlands, LE19 1ESContact name, email

Official documents & specifications (5)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

  • Bidding documents and specifications tenderBidding documents and specificationsTo tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/ (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract e.g., via https://procontract.due-north.com/Register); (c) Search for tender opportuni…
  • Technical specifications tenderTechnical specificationsPlease refer to the tender documents (see above for further details including summary instructions on how to access these).

Notices published for this procedure

  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • Preliminary market engagement notice planningPreliminary market engagement noticeUK2Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
  • Pipeline notice planningPipeline noticeUK1Pipeline notice on Find a Tender