Print Marketplace 2
Framework Description
Print Marketplace 2 (RM6371) is an agreement from the Government Commercial Agency (GCA, formerly Crown Commercial Service) that gives every UK public sector organisation a click-and-buy route to printed material through a self-service online platform. One appointed supplier runs the platform and draws on a pre-approved supply chain of printers to fulfil orders. The single-lot agreement runs until 15 December 2028.
Context & Use Case
Public sector buyers use Print Marketplace 2 for everyday and high-volume print. They choose a template, use the online design tool or brief a design team, then compare instant quotes by price, delivery lead time, distance or CO2 emissions. A carbon impact calculator supports social value and carbon offsetting, which suits councils and departments reporting on print emissions.
Scope of Services
Business cards, letterheads and forms Flyers, leaflets, brochures, booklets and newsletters Posters, exhibition and display graphics Promotional goods, labels and stickers Small direct mail and low-volume storage and fulfilment Alternative formats such as large print and braille
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
RM6371 has a single supplier running the platform, so print businesses cannot join the agreement itself before it is re-procured around December 2028. Printers can still reach public sector orders through the platform's pre-approved supply chain, and a local printer that a buyer prefers can register as a supplier on Print Marketplace.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers compare prices from vetted printers in minutes, with nothing to install, live-chat advice and order history for repeat jobs. Dynamic pricing and the carbon calculator let them choose the cheapest, fastest or lowest-carbon option for each order, and a range of payment options suits occasional buyers as well as large ones.
Next Steps
Printers wanting public sector print work should look at registering as a supplier on Print Marketplace, which is linked from the GCA page (https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6371), particularly where a local buyer already uses them. Businesses able to run a print platform should watch GCA's upcoming agreements for the next Print Marketplace procurement ahead of 15 December 2028 and prepare evidence on platform performance and carbon reporting.
How Athena Can Help
Print Marketplace 2 has a single operator, so the route in depends on your business model. For platform-capable firms, Athena's bid planning for platform operators starts work on the next Print Marketplace early, with win themes on platform usability, carbon data and pricing.
For commercial printers, our search for open print frameworks identifies routes you can join directly, and our print tender bidding support targets council and NHS print contracts let outside frameworks. Every submission is checked for compliance.
