The framework will allow printers to tender for both government and public sector work without the need to complete the necessary procurement procedure for each contract.

The framework lasts until March 2014. The value is unknown, although the previous contract was worth in the region of £2m each year.

Lucy Edwards, assistant managing director at Howard Hunt, which features in the web printing and direct mail lots, said she "was delighted" at having the web framework opened up to the company.

Communisis, Howitt and Polestar feature as suppliers in each section of the framework. St Ives will complete web printing and direct mail work, while Eclipse features in web printing and confidential printing.

The Westdale Press, Waddington & Ledger, Ancient House Press, Alderson Brothers, and Howard Hunt complete the web printing lot.

Commercial web, which takes in web printing, direct mail and confidential printing, is the first of three frameworks to be reviewed, with sheetfed litho and digital print to be reviewed later this year.

According to the COI, successful applicants were reviewed on factors such as financial soundness, environmental factors, quality procedures and capacity.

Paul Wood, procurement manager at COI, said: "We have made a considerable effort to ensure this exercise was carried out fairly and effectively and that we have put together a robust framework that is fit for purpose."

Lot 1 Web Printing

•    Alderson Brothers Print Group
•    Ancient House Press
•    Communisis UK Ltd
•    Eclipse Colour Print
•    Howard Hunt Group
•    Howitt Ltd
•    Polestar UK Print
•    St Ives plc
•    Waddington & Ledger
•    The Westdale Press Ltd

Lot 2 Direct Mail

•    Communisis UK Ltd
•    Howard Hunt Group
•    Howitt Ltd
•    Polestar UK Print
•    St Ives plc

Lot 3 Confidential printing

•    Communisis UK Ltd
•    Howitt Ltd
•    Polestar UK Print
•    Eclipse Colour Print