Eight lots will cover most of the council’s printing requirements for the three-year deal, which is advertised on Tenders Electronic Daily.

Lot two on general printing, for example, includes ad-hoc and planned printing such as magazines, pads, leaflets and the printing of up to 10,000 envelopes.

"Devon County Council does not have in-house print services and this print framework contract was put in place four years ago," said senior procurement and contracts officer Becky Meaton.

"All printing requirements will go through this contract. Work will be mini-competed through the Devon eBiz electronic market place, where the successful print suppliers will bid for the work."

The 36-month contract period is from 1 August 2013 with the option to extend for up to a year. Material will be for Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council and Mid Devon Council.

The current contract has been in place for four years and expires on 31st July 2013. Suppliers can bid for one or more lots.

The deadline for tender submissions is 10 May 2013 and they must be submitted on www.devontenders.gov.uk or www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk