It has advertised the Commercial Web Framework as the first of the three, which will enable printers to compete for public sector work without going through a lengthy procurement for each contract.
The framework will be divided into three lots – web printing, direct mail and confidential print – for each of which a shortlist of suppliers will be compiled. CoI said that suppliers will be selected through criteria including financial soundness, environmental factors and quality procedures.
The move has been made in response to a review, which is still taking place, on the agency's printing arrangements.
Philip Brimley, head of the Publications Procurement Unit, who is leading the review, said: "The new framework calls for a number of printers that offer a wide range of commercial web printing expertise. We are looking for the most proactive, efficient and environmentally sound companies in the industry."
Two more frameworks, for sheetfed litho and digital and print support products, will be open for applications later in the year. The details of how they will operate are subject to the ongoing review.
The current Printing Services Framework, worth approximately £12m per annum, was established in 2001. A spokesperson for the CoI said it expires "some time this year".
Paul Wood, also of the Publications Procurement Unit, said: "We know how difficult and time consuming these tendering exercises can be for printers, so we have tried where possible to simplify the process, while balancing the need to be able to make informed decisions when it comes to shortlisting suppliers for inclusion on our frameworks."
