£20 Polymer Substrate Supply Framework

<p>The contracting authority is responsible for ensuring security and continuity of the supply of high quality banknotes. The authority wishes to establish a framework under which it can purchase Polymer Substrate for the next &pound;20 banknote. (Polymer Substrate means a substrate proven to be suitable for banknote printing consisting of 100% biaxially orientated polypropylene film and printed opacification layers). The authority places significant importance on the supplier meeting its technical specifications for Polymer Substrate and implementing robust quality management, security and business continuity processes. The Framework Agreement will provide for an initial period of development (including pre-production trials) and then continue for 120 months, Electronic access to the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire is available at www.bankofenglandtenders.co.uk. In order to protect essential security interests in respect of national currency (and in accordance with the ability for the authority to impose requirements aimed at protecting the confidential nature of the information in the procurement documents) access to procurement documents (other than the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire) is restricted to those suppliers who are invited to tender following evaluation of all responses to the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. All suppliers invited to tender will be required to enter into a confidentiality agreement with the authority prior to such documents being provided.</p>