Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the supply of learner books & exam papers for the Education & Training Boards (ETBs) was established in November 2021 by the Education Procurement Service on instruction of the Education & Training Boards. This was following a competition process where all national and local bookshops were encouraged to participate and every effort was made to ensure full SME participation on a local level.

All suppliers who submitted a tender response were admitted to the Framework.

The Framework Agreement is divided into sixteen (16) lots mirroring the ETB geographical structure. A mixture of both national and SME book providers are admitted across all the 16 lots.

Schools and centres under each local ETB have been utilising this Framework since 2021 for their school book and exam paper requirements.

It is recognised that the procurement of goods and services using centrally available national arrangements is the most efficient and compliant process for contracting authorities, such as ETBs, to procure their requirements including books. This framework was established with consideration of both the interests of ETBs and local suppliers.

This national framework will run for 4 years and will expire in Oct 2025, and a new tender competition will then be run in advance of this, where again all bookshops both local and national will have an opportunity to tender for the required goods.