Archival Boxboard

Tender description

The National Library of Scotland and the National Records of Scotland jointly require a contract for the supply and delivery of archival boxboard of a range of sizes and weights, to be folded at the organisations' premises using KasemakeCAD box making machines. The boxes will be used to house collection materials, protecting them from fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity, exposure to light and dust, handling damage and the accidental release of water. All storage and archival work undertaken by the Organisations is carried out in compliance with ISO 16245:2009 Information and documentation - Boxes, file covers and other enclosures, made from cellulosic materials, for storage of paper and parchment documents; and BS 4971:2017 Conservation and care of archive and library collections. Lot 1: The National Library of Scotland and National Records of Scotland wish to jointly procure a contract for the supply and delivery of archival boxboard and associated services (e.g. uplift of off-cuts and pallets). This contract will replace the current contract that is due to end in summer 2026. Lead tenderer is the National Library. Tender evaluation will be carried out jointly between both organisations. Please note that sample materials will be required as part of the tender evaluation process. These must arrive at the identified premises (in Edinburgh) no later than the tender closing date which is expected to be early May 2026. Both organisations use KasemakeCAD box making machines for the production of archival boxes. The Library also uses a Global RBC70 die-cutting machine. The contract is expected to run for an initial 2 years, with 2x 24 months optional extensions depending on performance and requirement. It is anticipated that the joint spend under this contract averages 80,000 GBP per annum. However, this may change depending on institutional need.