We are pleased to inform you that the Mandatory Standstill Period has now passed without challenge and providing we receive the necessary paperwork back from the successful suppliers we are hoping to launch this framework on 11 January 2016.

We have recently changed our telephone and IT infrastructure, and as a result we have new email addresses and telephone numbers for all CPC staff.

CPC, CCS and AoC would like to thank all member institutions who kindly completed the recent Survey about Awarding Organisations. The project group were delighted with the number of returned surveys as we received 205 responses containing extremely useful information to help with the project.

The CPC, along with NWUPC and members of the Furniture Commodity Group are due to hold review meetings with suppliers on the Office Furniture Framework in January 2016.

We are pleased to inform you that the Recycling Bins & Street Furniture Framework has been awarded. We believe that the new framework will not only offer a wider choice of suppliers but also cover our members' requirements comprehensively. The framework is split into the following lots:

You'll have seen in last month's newsletter that we've recently been recruiting for a Senior Contracts and Procurement Officer; this is because we are shortly to be losing Ranjana Kapur to pastures new.

A procurement challenge brought by European Dynamics earlier this year serves as a reminder of the importance of giving reasons to unsuccessful bidders when carrying out procurements subject to The Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

New thresholds for the application of the various public procurement regimes come into force on 1 January 2016. For supply and service contracts awarded by education establishments the new threshold above which the public procurement regime will apply is €209,000, or £164,176, for public works contracts its €5,225,000 or £4,104,394.

The Audio Visual Equipment and Equipment with Installation framework has been extended until 29th February 2016. The framework is to be re-tendered with a contract notice to be published in the OJEU on 1st December 2016.

The above framework expired on 30 November 2015. Having reviewed the low use of the framework over the last four years and having had very few enquiries about this framework the decision has been taken not to re-tender it at this time.