Procurement - media services framework - buyer's guide

The Media Services framework is a national framework which is split into two Lots.

Lot 1 – press media, broadcast, online media, social media and analytics and evaluation services

Lot 2 – news distribution and newsroom services, and enquiry management services

Scottish Procurement has awarded Lot 1 to Press Data Ltd and Lot 2 to Access Intelligence Media and Communications Limited.

This framework replaces the previous framework for the provision of Media Services (Ref: SP-20-002) with Precise Media Monitoring Ltd, expiring on 31 August 2025.

Access scope

The framework agreement is accessible to all Scottish public bodies (for example central government, local authorities, higher and further education, health bodies and special health boards, police and fire and rescue), and Scottish third sector bodies (for example registered charities and voluntary organisations).

Note:  It is the responsibility of any public body wishing to utilise the framework agreement, to satisfy itself that it is eligible to do so. Entitlement guidance on this can be found in Annex A of Scottish Government Guidance on Framework Agreements. If there is any doubt, legal advice should be sought.

Commencement date and duration

The framework agreement commences on 1 September 2025 and ends on 31 August 2029.

Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014

Buyers are reminded of the obligations contained in the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 in relation to the award of contracts valued equal to or greater than £50,000.00, including those awarded as a result of a framework call-off and/or mini competition. In particular, buyers should note that in accordance with Section 23(2) the award of contracts must be publicised on the Public Contracts Scotland website and in accordance with Section 35 contracts must be registered in the contracting authority’s “contracts register”.

Framework contract management

Scottish Procurement will manage the framework agreement at a strategic, framework level. This incorporates a number of activities including management of contractor performance issues, collating management information for the framework as a whole, co-ordinating feedback, contractor reviews, user feedback groups and escalations.

Framework public bodies must manage all contracts awarded under this framework at a local level, and deal with day to day contractor issues with a view to resolving these locally in the first instance. Scottish Procurement will act as an escalation point should local resolution prove unsuccessful.

Framework public bodies utilising this framework must request their own management information and hold regular meetings with the contractor as necessary. The framework contractor is aware of the need to supply management information to individual framework public bodies as part of the agreed framework agreement terms and conditions.

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

KPIs are detailed within the framework agreement document and framework public bodies utilising this framework must familiarise themselves with these. 

Framework agreement participation

Framework public bodies utilising the framework must agree to operate the framework in accordance with the procedures set out in this document. Framework public bodies may access as few, or as many services, within each Lot as they wish.

Sustainability benefits achieved under this framework

Both suppliers have committed to Scottish Governments Sustainable Procurement objectives.

As part of their sustainability commitment Press Data have confirmed that:

• they introduced their first Environmental Policy in 2008 which has been reviewed over time in line with guidance and policy, both from government and agencies
• they relocated their offices to facilities that involve a reduction in floor plate and the introduction of greater co-working spaces
• they have set objective to achieve a minimum 8% annual decrease in emissions to achieve Net Zero by 2050
• they have selected 2024 as Baseline Year and identified core areas of Scope to monitor
• managers in each area of the business will be required to complete a template to identify all actions that have an impact on sustainability
• all annual targets will be set following consultation with heads of teams

As part of their sustainability commitment Access Intelligence have confirmed that:

• comply with, and exceed where practicable, all applicable legislation, regulations and codes of practice
• they integrate sustainability considerations into all business decisions and activities
• they educate employees on sustainability and encourage commitment to implementing and improving practice
• they conduct meetings remotely using software such as Teams in order to reduce need to travel
• they will introduce environmental systems as business grows and becomes more complex
• they have trialled remote working and flexible start team to limit the impact of travel. Actively working to develop flexible working practices
• they minimise use of consumables through utilising technology such as cloud environment and document control solution to discourage printing