City of Helsinki Awards €2M Woodworking Machinery Framework Agreements

Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala, a local authority operating in education, has awarded framework agreements for the procurement of various technical work woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for basic education (Erilaisten teknisen työn puuntyöstökoneiden, -laitteiden, ja tarvikkeiden hankinta perusopetukseen). The maximum value of the framework agreements is €2,000,000.00, covering machine tools for working wood, woodworking equipment and sawing equipment, with an initial contract period from 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2028. The contracts were awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Introduction

Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala (City of Helsinki, Education Division), a local authority operating in education, has conducted an open procedure for the procurement of various technical work woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for basic education. The procurement was divided into 25 sub-areas, including circular saws, band saws, surface planers, thickness planers, grinding machines, wood lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, workbenches, and other woodworking equipment.

The purpose of the procurement is to form a framework arrangement in which two (2) contract suppliers are selected for each sub-area in order of priority: one (1) primary supplier and one (1) backup supplier. A tenderer may submit a tender for one or more sub-areas. If only one acceptable tender is received for a sub-area, only one contract supplier is selected. The framework arrangement lasts two (2) years. The preliminary contract period is 1.9.2026 – 31.8.2028. The procurement contract expires without separate termination. After the actual contract period, it is possible to extend the contract period by a maximum of two (2) option years. The contracting authority decides separately on the use of the option no later than three (3) months before the end of the actual contract period.

The products covered by the procurement must be delivered no later than 90 days from receipt of the order. The contracting authority has no volume purchase obligation, and orders will be placed during the contract period as needed. Orders are placed from the supplier of the relevant sub-area in order of priority when purchasing standard products under the framework agreement. If the primary supplier is unable to deliver the products in accordance with the framework agreement, the contracting authority has the right to order the products from the backup supplier. In this case, the primary supplier is obliged to compensate the contracting authority for the price difference paid. The delivery term is TOP Helsinki (Finnterms 2001), delivered to the indoor premises designated by the customer.

The procurement is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). Strategic procurement objectives were specified: human rights due diligence in global supply chains and fair working conditions. The evaluation criteria are price (85 points) and quality (15 points). No tenders were received from micro tenderers for the lots (0 received). Winners were appointed across the 25 lots: Ab Bäck & Co Oy (medium enterprise) and Step Systems Oy (medium enterprise). No subcontracting was declared. The contracts were concluded on 05/10/2026. The maximum value of the framework agreements in this notice is €2,000,000.00.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures the procurement of woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for technical work education in basic education in Helsinki, supporting education and skills development.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports Education: Provides woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for technical work education in basic education
• Significant Value: €2,000,000.00 maximum framework value
• Medium-Term Commitment: 2-year initial contract period (01/09/2026 – 31/08/2028), with option to extend by up to 2 option years
• Comprehensive Scope: 25 sub-areas covering circular saws, band saws, surface planers, thickness planers, grinding machines, wood lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, workbenches, and other woodworking equipment
• Balanced Evaluation: 85 points price, 15 points quality
• Competition: 0 tenders received from micro tenderers
• No Subcontracting: No subcontracting declared

Contract Timeline

• Winner chosen: 01/09/2026
• Contract concluded: 05/10/2026
• Estimated start date: 01/09/2026
• Estimated duration end date: 31/08/2028
• Option: extension by up to 2 option years
• Notice published: 07 October 2026 (OJ S 194/2026)
• Notice dispatch date: 06 October 2026

Contract Overview

Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Key features include:

• 25 lots: LOT-0001 to LOT-0025
• Maximum value: €2,000,000.00
• Duration: 01/09/2026 – 31/08/2028 (2 years), with option to extend by up to 2 option years
• Framework type: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition
• Evaluation: Price (85 points) and Quality (15 points)
• Winners: Ab Bäck & Co Oy and Step Systems Oy (both medium enterprises)
• Subcontracting: No
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Strategic procurement: Human rights due diligence in global supply chains, fair working conditions

Key Contract Details

• Main classification: 42642100 Machine tools for working wood
• Additional classification: 43810000 Woodworking equipment; 43812000 Sawing equipment
• Place of performance: Helsinki, Helsinki-Uusimaa (FI1B1), Finland
• Procedure identifier: 6b01ff58-a612-4c83-b5b8-e0f0eed60781
• Internal identifier: HEL 2026-005535
• Type of procedure: Open
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU; Finnish Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts (1397/2016)
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus

Lot Structure

The procurement was divided into 25 lots (LOT-0001 to LOT-0025). Winners were appointed for each lot as follows:

• LOT-0001: Circular Saw 1 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0002: Circular Saw 2 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0003: Circular Saw 3 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0004: Band Saw 1 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0005: Band Saw 2 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0006: Surface Planer 1 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0007: Surface Planer 2 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0008: Thickness Planer 1 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0009: Thickness Planer 2 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0010: Thickness Planer 3 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0011: Disc and Grinding Machine – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0012: Belt Grinding Machine – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0013: Oscillating Belt Grinding Machine – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0014: Drum Grinding Machine – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0015: Wood Lathe 1 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0016: Wood Lathe 2 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0017: Milling Machine and Table – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0018: Mortising Machine – Winner: Step Systems Oy
• LOT-0019: Cut-off Circular Saw – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0020: Planing Bench 1 – Winner: Ab Bäck & Co Oy
• LOT-0021: Planing Bench 2 – Winner: Step Systems Oy
• LOT-0022: Planing Bench 3 – Winner: Step Systems Oy
• LOT-0023: Sheet Trolley – Winner: Step Systems Oy
• LOT-0024: Grinding Table – Winner: Step Systems Oy
• LOT-0025: Press Trolley – Winner: Step Systems Oy

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Value (€)	Winner	Tenders
1	Circular Saw 1	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
2	Circular Saw 2	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
3	Circular Saw 3	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
4	Band Saw 1	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
5	Band Saw 2	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
6	Surface Planer 1	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
7	Surface Planer 2	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
8	Thickness Planer 1	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
9	Thickness Planer 2	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
10	Thickness Planer 3	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
11	Disc and Grinding Machine	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
12	Belt Grinding Machine	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
13	Oscillating Belt Grinding Machine	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
14	Drum Grinding Machine	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
15	Wood Lathe 1	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
16	Wood Lathe 2	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
17	Milling Machine and Table	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
18	Mortising Machine	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Step Systems Oy	0 (micro)
19	Cut-off Circular Saw	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
20	Planing Bench 1	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Ab Bäck & Co Oy	0 (micro)
21	Planing Bench 2	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Step Systems Oy	0 (micro)
22	Planing Bench 3	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Step Systems Oy	0 (micro)
23	Sheet Trolley	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Step Systems Oy	0 (micro)
24	Grinding Table	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Step Systems Oy	0 (micro)
25	Press Trolley	2,000,000.00 (framework max)	Step Systems Oy	0 (micro)
Total		2,000,000.00

Scope of Supply

The contract covers the following supplies:

• Circular Saws: Circular saws (3 sub-areas)
• Band Saws: Band saws (2 sub-areas)
• Surface Planers: Surface planers (2 sub-areas)
• Thickness Planers: Thickness planers (3 sub-areas)
• Grinding Machines: Disc and grinding machine, belt grinding machine, oscillating belt grinding machine, drum grinding machine
• Wood Lathes: Wood lathes (2 sub-areas)
• Milling Machine: Milling machine and table
• Mortising Machine: Mortising machine
• Cut-off Circular Saw: Cut-off circular saw
• Planing Benches: Planing benches (3 sub-areas)
• Sheet Trolley: Sheet trolley
• Grinding Table: Grinding table
• Press Trolley: Press trolley
• Machine Tools for Working Wood: Supplies under CPV 42642100
• Woodworking Equipment: Supplies under CPV 43810000
• Sawing Equipment: Supplies under CPV 43812000

Special Procurement Conditions

• Price Criterion (85 points): The lowest tender price (X) receives full 85 points. Other tender prices (Y) are proportioned to the lowest tender price using the formula X/Y x 85p
• Quality Criterion (15 points): Quality points are given for the length of the warranty (months) as absolute quality points: 24 months = 0 p, 36 months = 5 p, 48 months = 10 p, 60 months = 15 p
• Framework Agreement: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition
• No Subcontracting: No subcontracting declared by winners
• Strategic Procurement: Human rights due diligence in global supply chains, fair working conditions
• Delivery Term: TOP Helsinki (Finnterms 2001), delivered to the indoor premises designated by the customer
• Delivery Time: Products must be delivered no later than 90 days from receipt of the order
• Option: Option to extend the contract period by a maximum of two (2) option years

About the Contracting Authority

Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala (City of Helsinki, Education Division) is a local authority operating in education in Finland.

• Legal type: Local authority
• Activity: Education
• Registration number: 0201256-6
• Location: Helsingin kaupunki, Helsinki-Uusimaa (FI1B1), Finland
• Postcode: 00099
• Email: kasko.hankinnat@hel.fi
• Telephone: +358 93108600
• Internet address: https://www.hel.fi/kasvatusjakoulutus

About the Winning Supplier

Ab Bäck & Co Oy is a medium enterprise based in Pietarsaari, Finland, specialising in woodworking machinery and equipment.

• Size: Medium
• Registration number: 0209238-3
• Location: Pietarsaari, Pohjanmaa (FI19A), Finland
• Postcode: 68660
• Subcontracting: No
• Won lots: LOT-0001, LOT-0002, LOT-0003, LOT-0004, LOT-0005, LOT-0006, LOT-0007, LOT-0008, LOT-0009, LOT-0010, LOT-0011, LOT-0012, LOT-0013, LOT-0014, LOT-0015, LOT-0016, LOT-0017, LOT-0019, LOT-0020

Step Systems Oy is a medium enterprise based in Lahti, Finland, specialising in woodworking machinery and equipment.

• Size: Medium
• Registration number: 0909748-6
• Location: Lahti, Päijät-Häme (FI1C6), Finland
• Postcode: 15700
• Subcontracting: No
• Won lots: LOT-0018, LOT-0021, LOT-0022, LOT-0023, LOT-0024, LOT-0025

Evaluation Criteria

The lots use the following evaluation criteria:

• Price (85 points): Hinta – the lowest tender price (X) receives full 85 points. Other tender prices (Y) are proportioned to the lowest tender price using the formula X/Y x 85p
• Quality (15 points): Laatu – quality points are given for the length of the warranty (months) as absolute quality points: 24 months = 0 p, 36 months = 5 p, 48 months = 10 p, 60 months = 15 p

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU
• Competition: 0 tenders received from micro tenderers per lot
• Subcontracting: No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds
• Framework agreement: Framework agreement, without reopening of competition
• No dynamic purchasing system used
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Strategic procurement: Human rights due diligence in global supply chains, fair working conditions
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
• No EU funds were used for this procurement
• The maximum framework value is €2,000,000.00; the approximate value is €2,000,000.00
• The procurement is divided into 25 lots
• Price (85 points) and Quality (15 points) are the evaluation criteria
• 0 tenders were received from micro tenderers per lot
• The winners are medium enterprises
• No subcontracting was declared
• The initial contract period is 01/09/2026 – 31/08/2028 (2 years), with an option to extend by up to 2 option years
• Products must be delivered no later than 90 days from receipt of the order
• The contracts were concluded on 05/10/2026

Market & Industry Perspective

The Finnish public sector woodworking machinery market features a mix of small, medium and large enterprises. Woodworking machines, equipment and supplies are essential for technical work education in basic education.

Key trends in this market include:

• Price-focused evaluation: 85 points price, 15 points quality
• SME participation: Winners are medium enterprises
• Comprehensive scope: 25 sub-areas covering a wide range of woodworking machines, equipment and supplies
• Medium-term projects: 2-year initial contract period with option to extend by up to 2 option years
• Specialised supplies: Woodworking machines for technical work education
• No subcontracting: No subcontracting declared by winners

Economic Significance

At €2,000,000.00, this framework agreement represents a significant investment in woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for technical work education in basic education in Helsinki. The contract will:

• Support Education: Provide woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for technical work education in basic education
• Support SMEs: Ab Bäck & Co Oy and Step Systems Oy are medium enterprises
• Provide Medium-Term Delivery: 2-year initial contract period with option to extend by up to 2 option years
• Ensure Skills Development: Improve the availability of woodworking machines and equipment for education
• Enable Operational Efficiency: Comprehensive framework arrangement with primary and backup suppliers per sub-area
• Support Regional Development: Contribute to the education market in the Helsinki region

Future Procurement Opportunities

With these framework agreements now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the completion of the framework agreements or exercise of the option years
• Related Works: Additional woodworking machinery and equipment procurements
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Ab Bäck & Co Oy and Step Systems Oy
• Other Education Projects: Similar woodworking machinery procurement opportunities
• Other Public Sector Education Procurements: Similar machine tool and equipment opportunities

Opportunities for Suppliers

While these contracts are awarded, opportunities remain for woodworking machinery suppliers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for future procurement cycles
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Ab Bäck & Co Oy and Step Systems Oy
• Related Works: Other woodworking machinery and equipment procurements
• Other Finnish Public Sector Education Authorities: Similar woodworking machinery procurements
• Other Education Organisations: Monitor further woodworking machinery opportunities

What Businesses Should Watch

• Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala's future procurement notices
• Other Finnish public sector education tenders
• Woodworking machinery market trends
• Changes to Finnish procurement regulations
• Technical work education and woodworking equipment developments
• Further woodworking machinery opportunities in the public sector

FinlandTenders.com Procurement Intelligence

This woodworking machinery framework agreement procurement is a notable example of Finnish public sector education procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €2,000,000.00 maximum framework value
• Price-focused evaluation: 85 points price, 15 points quality
• SME winners: Ab Bäck & Co Oy and Step Systems Oy
• 25 lots: Covering a wide range of woodworking machines, equipment and supplies
• Competition: 0 tenders received from micro tenderers per lot
• Medium-term project: 2-year initial contract period with option to extend by up to 2 option years
• Comprehensive scope: Circular saws, band saws, surface planers, thickness planers, grinding machines, wood lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, workbenches, and other woodworking equipment
• Specialised supplies: Woodworking machines for technical work education

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: 85 points price-based evaluation
• Quality (warranty length): 15 points quality-based evaluation
• Woodworking machinery expertise: Ability to supply woodworking machines, equipment and supplies
• Product range capability: Ability to supply a broad range of woodworking machines
• Delivery capability: Ability to deliver products within 90 days of order
• Public sector experience: Understanding of Finnish education sector requirements

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing – 85 points of evaluation is price-based
• Demonstrate quality through warranty length – 15 points of evaluation is quality-based
• Showcase woodworking machinery expertise
• Demonstrate product range capability across woodworking machines
• Show delivery capability within 90 days
• Develop public sector experience with Finnish education authorities
• Monitor Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala and Finnish public sector education procurement opportunities
• Prepare for subcontracting and future procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala awarded framework agreements worth €2,000,000.00 for woodworking machines, equipment and supplies to Ab Bäck & Co Oy and Step Systems Oy
• 25 lots: covering circular saws, band saws, surface planers, thickness planers, grinding machines, wood lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, workbenches, and other woodworking equipment
• Initial duration: 01/09/2026 – 31/08/2028 (2 years), with option to extend by up to 2 option years
• Evaluation: Price (85 points) and Quality (15 points)
• 0 tenders received from micro tenderers per lot
• Winners are medium enterprises
• No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• Framework agreement, without reopening of competition
• Strategic procurement: Human rights due diligence in global supply chains, fair working conditions
• Comprehensive scope: woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for technical work education
• Contracts concluded on 05/10/2026

Conclusion

These woodworking machinery framework agreements ensure the procurement of woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for technical work education in basic education in Helsinki, supporting education and skills development. By awarding the contracts to Ab Bäck & Co Oy and Step Systems Oy, Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala secures reliable medium enterprise suppliers with the capability to deliver comprehensive woodworking machinery and equipment.

The 85 points price and 15 points quality evaluation reflects the price-focused nature of this education procurement, where cost is the primary differentiator among qualified suppliers and warranty length provides an additional quality element. The 2-year initial contract period with an option to extend by up to 2 option years, the comprehensive scope across 25 lots and the specialised supplies reflect the specific operational and strategic context of the woodworking machinery procurement.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of competitive pricing, quality (warranty length), woodworking machinery expertise, product range capability, delivery capability, and public sector experience in winning Finnish public sector education contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the contracting authority?

Ans: Helsingin kaupunki, kasvatuksen ja koulutuksen toimiala (City of Helsinki, Education Division), a local authority operating in education in Finland.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: Maximum framework value €2,000,000.00; approximate value €2,000,000.00.

Q: Who are the winners?

Ans: Ab Bäck & Co Oy (won LOT-0001 to LOT-0017, LOT-0019, LOT-0020) and Step Systems Oy (won LOT-0018, LOT-0021 to LOT-0025), both medium enterprises based in Finland.

Q: What supplies are covered?

Ans: Various technical work woodworking machines, equipment and supplies for basic education, including circular saws, band saws, surface planers, thickness planers, grinding machines, wood lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, workbenches, and other woodworking equipment across 25 sub-areas.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Price (85 points) and Quality (15 points – based on warranty length: 24 months = 0 p, 36 months = 5 p, 48 months = 10 p, 60 months = 15 p).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: Initial contract period 01/09/2026 – 31/08/2028 (2 years), with an option to extend by a maximum of two (2) option years.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: 0 tenders received from micro tenderers per lot.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Q: What is the review body?

Ans: Markkinaoikeus.

Q: What is the lot structure?

Ans: 25 lots – LOT-0001 to LOT-0025.

Q: Is subcontracting allowed?

Ans: No subcontracting was declared by the winners.

Q: What are the strategic procurement objectives?

Ans: Human rights due diligence in global supply chains and fair working conditions.

Q: What is the main CPV classification?

Ans: 42642100 Machine tools for working wood; additional classifications 43810000 Woodworking equipment and 43812000 Sawing equipment.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 689218-2026, OJ S 194/2026, published 07 October 2026.

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