Procurement - publishing, print, design and associated services (PPDAS): guidance

Overview

A single supplier, national framework for the provision of publishing, print, design and associated services.

What is in scope

The framework provides an account managed, customer centric service of which the scope of services covered under the framework are listed below, but not limited to:

• a full and accessible publishing (including digital requirements where appropriate) service for all published online and print content                    
• design services - all published content (including online and print resources) should be designed on a “fit for purpose” basis
• technological developments for all published content, including automated templates for standard publications
• artwork, formatting and setting
• proofing and pre-press services
• cartography
• photography
• illustrations
• copywriting and editorial services
• graphs and charts services
• infographics
• alternative formats services (including Braille and easy-read)
• accurate and consistent brand management and application (in relation to the services within this Framework) and a requirement for the policing of this activity – including British Sign Language)
• translation and associated typesetting services (for the purposes of accessing the services within this Framework
• maintenance of the digital asset management system
• print management and production, including direct mail collateral
• web to print service
• secure print service
• binding and finishing
• fulfilment and distribution services
• stationery – items including but not limited to compliment slips, business cards, customised correspondence, branded envelopes
• forms – design (including Smartforms), production, storage and distribution
• web conversion and publishing - all HTML documents should authored in accordance with accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018. To comply with these regulations all digital interfaces must comply with level A and AA success criteria of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2.  They should be well formed, semantic, World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) validated and have a doc type declared; in respect of storage and storage management, the Contractor will be expected to manage the inventory effectively and act as a strategic partner in the best interests of the Authority and Framework Public Bodies
• subscriptions and standing orders – for all published content
• reprographics services
• promotional and display items
• any ad hoc requirements within the scope of the Framework (such as voice overs, different languages/localisation, live interpretation) as agreed between the Framework Public Body and the Contractor
• further details of services are detailed in Parts 1 to 5 of the Specification (Schedule 1)

Who can use this

The framework can be used by:

• central government
• health
• local authorities
• universities and colleges
• third sector
• other public bodies

Full details can be found on Public Contracts Scotland

Entitlement can be established from the terms of the Find the Tender Service reference  2025/S 000-053293.  It is the responsibility of any buying organisation wishing to use any framework agreement, to satisfy itself that it is eligible to do so.

Guidance on this can be found in Annex A of our guidance on framework agreements.
If there is any doubt, legal advice should be sought.

Benefits

Benefits of this framework include:

• reduction in duplication of procurement activity within the Scottish public sector
• easy to use, single supplier framework, with no need to run a mini competition
• standardised terms and conditions
• a 24/7 service to agreed quality standards delivering value for money
• ability to meet a wide range of customer requirements with sensitivity and in a secure, open and honest manner
• promotion and advance e-delivery of accessible published content
• provide a flexible service in response to the changing requirements of framework public bodies

Supplier details

APS Group (Scotland) Ltd
21 Tennant Street
Edinburgh
EH6 5NA
Telephone: 0131 0629 9966

Order forms only

Email: PO.PPDAS@theapsgroup.com

Customer queries

Joanne Smith, Account Director
Phone: 0131 380 1909
Email: Joanne.Smith@theapsgroup.com

New users of the framework

Beverley Walsh, Head of Business Services
Phone: 07793 987 292
Email: Beverley.Walsh@theapsgroup.com

Helen Crosthwaite, Client Services Director
Phone: 0131 380 1906  
Email: Helen.Crosthwaite@theapsgroup.com

Andrew Logan, Client Services Director
Phone:  0131 376 7825
Email: Andrew.Logan@theapsgroup.com

Further information

See the buyers guide for more information

See all Scottish Government frameworks and contracts

Information about, pricing, terms and conditions, order form, call off Schedule 5, and the framework’s complaints procedure can be found on the Procurement Information Network Group within the Knowledge Hub

If you are not registered to access the procurement information network within the knowledge hub, and are eligible to use the framework please complete the registration form and send it to scottishprocurement@gov.scot.