APS has secured the single supplier 'Lot 1' of the framework for 'fully managed end-to-end print and digital solutions', which covers a wide range of products and services including digital asset management and DM and transactional; operational, advertising and marketing, and security print.

Places on the multi-supplier 'Lot 2' framework for 'tailored managed print solutions', which essentially covers the same types of products and services, have been awarded to six companies: Corporate Document Services (CDS), Granby Marketing Services, HH Global, PSL Print Management, Williams Lea and Xerox. 

The contract went live on 28 December 2016 and is due to end on 27 December 2018, but it can be extended for up to two more years.

The new framework replaces two contracts; the Wider Public Sector Print Services (RM1687) and the Print and Associated Services (PVP) contract (RM921).

According to the contract notice, TUPE may apply to both lots of the new contact.

Williams Lea was the sole incumbent on RM921, which, at the time, was thought to be worth around £250m across four years.

While the new awards started in December, a period of transition is currently taking place and is due to end in June 2017.

According to APS Group director of UK government solutions Simon Taylor, he expects the value of Lot 1 to the business, which last year ranked second in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, to be in excess of £50m per year.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded this framework agreement and to be able to demonstrate value, innovation and our expertise to the UK government,” said Taylor.

“We will be supporting the CCS in its aims to exceed the government target for using SMEs.”

APS is now in discussions with eligible government departments on how best to deliver the Lot 1 contract.

David Burton, print and creative services director at CDS, which secured a place on Lot 2, said he was “delighted” to have secured a further framework contract and that he looked forward to continuing the firm's relationship with the CCS.

“My teams are highly motivated to make a real difference and work shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues in the public sector to achieve significant savings,” he added.

The CCS is an executive agency sponsored by the Cabinet Office, which aims to save money for public sector organisations through its EU-compliant frameworks.

At the time of writing, CCS was unable to supply further detail on the contract award.