Espoon kaupunki has awarded a €6.5M school and kindergarten photography concession to multiple suppliers across five lots

Espoon kaupunki, a local authority responsible for general public services, has awarded concession contracts for school and kindergarten photography (Koulu- ja päiväkotikuvausten hankinta 2026) for early childhood education units, comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools in Espoo. The estimated total value of the concession, excluding VAT, is €6,500,000.00 over a four-year contract period. The procurement was divided into five lots (Osa-alue 1 and Osa-alue 2, Kori 1-4), with multiple suppliers appointed to each lot. The procedure was conducted under the standard regime, governed by Directive 2014/23/EU (concessions).

Introduction

Espoon kaupunki, a local authority operating in general public services, has conducted an open procedure for school and kindergarten photography for the City of Espoo's early childhood education units, comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools. The City of Espoo concludes concession contracts with the suppliers selected based on the competition. The procurement includes the following lots: Osa-alue 1 (Early Childhood Education Units), Osa-alue 2 Kori 1 (Espoonlahti area), Osa-alue 2 Kori 2 (Central and Northern Espoo area), Osa-alue 2 Kori 3 (Leppävaara area), and Osa-alue 2 Kori 4 (Matinkylä-Olari and Tapiola area). A tenderer can be selected as a supplier for Osa-alue 1 and a maximum of two baskets in Osa-alue 2.

The procurement is not financed with EU funds. The estimated total value of the concession is €6,500,000.00 (VAT 0%), calculated as school and kindergarten photography purchases multiplied by the number of contract years (4 years). The City of Espoo does not pay compensation to suppliers for producing the service; instead, suppliers' income consists of fees charged to customers. The evaluation criteria are price (65 points) and quality (35 points). A total of 26 tenders were received for Osa-alue 1 and 25 tenders for each Osa-alue 2 lot.

Why This Contract Matters

This concession ensures that the City of Espoo has access to reliable school and kindergarten photography services for early childhood education units, comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports Education Services: Provides photography services for schools and kindergartens
• Significant Value: €6,500,000.00 estimated total value
• Long-Term Commitment: 48-month contract period
• Multi-Lot Structure: Five lots across early childhood education and four geographical baskets
• Balanced Evaluation: 65% price, 35% quality
• Strong Competition: 26 tenders (Osa-alue 1); 25 tenders (each Osa-alue 2 lot)
• Concession Model: No compensation from the city; income from customer fees

Contract Timeline

• Date winner chosen: 06 July 2026
• Contract concluded: 23 July to 07 August 2026 (various)
• Estimated duration: 48 months
• Notice published: 16 September 2026 (OJ S 179/2026)
• Notice dispatch date: 15 September 2026

Contract Overview

Espoon kaupunki conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by Directive 2014/23/EU (concessions).

Key features include:

• Five lots: LOT-0001 to LOT-0005
• Estimated total value: €6,500,000.00
• Duration: 48 months
• Framework type: Concession contracts
• Evaluation: Price (65 points) and Quality (35 points)
• Winners: Multiple suppliers across all lots
• Subcontracting: Not applicable
• No EU funding
• Concession value: €6,500,000.00 (estimated revenue from users); €0.00 from the contracting authority

Key Contract Details

• Main classification: 79960000 Photographic and ancillary services
• Additional classification: 22315000 Photographs
• Place of performance: Helsinki-Uusimaa, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1)
• Procedure identifier: 3a156370-b6dc-4b3f-a206-de70ec7000ae
• Internal identifier: 3799/2025
• Type of procedure: Open
• Legal basis: Directive 2014/23/EU
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus

Lot Structure

Osa-alue 1 – Varhaiskasvatusyksiköt (Early Childhood Education Units)

• Title: Osa-alue 1, Varhaiskasvatusyksiköt
• Description: Early childhood education services in Finnish and Swedish, including municipal kindergartens, family and group family day care, open kindergartens and residents' parks
• Internal identifier: OA1-0
• Duration: 48 months
• Winners: Markus Bergman Oy; Kumpele Oy; Frendikuva Oy; Studio Saraste Oy; Color-Kuva Oy
• Tenders received: 26
• Contract concluded: 23 July to 07 August 2026

Osa-alue 2, Kori 2 – Keski- ja Pohjois-Espoon alue

• Title: Osa-alue 2, Kori 2, Keski- ja Pohjois-Espoon alue
• Internal identifier: OA2 Keski- ja Pohjois-Espoon alue-1
• Duration: 48 months
• Winners: Asuintupa Ky; Studio Wiik avoin yhtiö
• Tenders received: 25
• Contract concluded: 29 July and 04 August 2026

Osa-alue 2, Kori 1 – Espoonlahden alue

• Title: Osa-alue 2, Kori 1, Espoonlahden alue
• Internal identifier: OA2, Espoonlahden alue-2
• Duration: 48 months
• Winners: Studio Saraste Oy; Oma Design Oy
• Tenders received: 25
• Contract concluded: 03 and 07 August 2026

Osa-alue 2, Kori 3 – Leppävaaran alue

• Title: Osa-alue 2, Kori 3, Leppävaaran alue
• Internal identifier: OA2 Leppävaaran alue-3
• Duration: 48 months
• Winners: Asuintupa Ky; Kuvahaka Oy
• Tenders received: 25
• Contract concluded: 30 July and 04 August 2026

Osa-alue 2, Kori 4 – Matinkylä-Olarin ja Tapiolan alue

• Title: Osa-alue 2, Kori 4, Matinkylä-Olarin ja Tapiolan alue
• Internal identifier: OA2 Matinkylä-Olarin ja Tapiolan alue-4
• Duration: 48 months
• Winners: Kuvaverkko Oy; Focusoiva Oy; Kassatalon Kuvapörssi Oy
• Tenders received: 25
• Contract concluded: 27 and 29 July 2026

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Value (€)	Winner	Tenders
1	Osa-alue 1, Varhaiskasvatusyksiköt	6,500,000.00	Markus Bergman Oy; Kumpele Oy; Frendikuva Oy; Studio Saraste Oy; Color-Kuva Oy	26
2	Osa-alue 2, Kori 2, Keski- ja Pohjois-Espoon alue	6,500,000.00	Asuintupa Ky; Studio Wiik avoin yhtiö	25
3	Osa-alue 2, Kori 1, Espoonlahden alue	6,500,000.00	Studio Saraste Oy; Oma Design Oy	25
4	Osa-alue 2, Kori 3, Leppävaaran alue	6,500,000.00	Asuintupa Ky; Kuvahaka Oy	25
5	Osa-alue 2, Kori 4, Matinkylä-Olarin ja Tapiolan alue	6,500,000.00	Kuvaverkko Oy; Focusoiva Oy; Kassatalon Kuvapörssi Oy	25
Total		6,500,000.00

Scope of Supply

The concession covers the following services:

• School Photography: Photography services for comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools
• Kindergarten Photography: Photography services for early childhood education units
• Early Childhood Education: Services for municipal kindergartens, family and group family day care, open kindergartens and residents' parks
• Upper Secondary Events: Individual, couple and group photos for upper secondary school prom dances and matriculation group photos
• Photographic Products: Photography products sold to guardians and other customers

Special Procurement Conditions

• Concession Model: The City of Espoo does not pay compensation to suppliers for producing the service; suppliers' income consists of fees charged to customers
• Concession Value: Estimated revenue from users of the concession €6,500,000.00; estimated revenue from the contracting authority €0.00
• Supplier Selection: A tenderer can be selected as a supplier for Osa-alue 1 and a maximum of two baskets in Osa-alue 2
• Number of Suppliers: Osa-alue 1: five (5) suppliers and one (1) reserve; Osa-alue 2 Kori 2: two (2) suppliers and two (2) reserves; Kori 1: two (2) and two (2); Kori 3: two (2) and two (2); Kori 4: three (3) and three (3)
• Parallel Tenders Prohibited: If a tenderer submits parallel tenders, only the last tender will be considered
• Upper Secondary Events: The supplier also undertakes, if necessary, to photograph individual, couple and group photos for upper secondary school prom dances and matriculation group photos, priced separately
• No EU Funding: The procurement is not financed with EU funds

About the Contracting Authority

Espoon kaupunki is a local authority responsible for general public services in Espoo, Finland.

• Legal type: Local authority
• Activity: General public services
• Registration number: 0101263-6
• Location: Espoo, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1)
• Address: PL 640, 02070 Espoon kaupunki
• Contact point: Hankintakeskus
• Email: hankinta@espoo.fi
• Telephone: +358 981621
• Internet address: http://www.espoo.fi/hankinnat

About the Winning Suppliers

Markus Bergman Oy – SME, Helsinki, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1); Winner of LOT-0001

Kumpele Oy – SME, Raahe, Finland (NUTS: FI1D9); Winner of LOT-0001

Frendikuva Oy – SME, Vantaa, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1); Winner of LOT-0001

Studio Saraste Oy – SME, Rovaniemi, Finland (NUTS: FI1D7); Winner of LOT-0001 and LOT-0003

Color-Kuva Oy – SME, Palokka, Finland (NUTS: FI198); Winner of LOT-0001

Asuintupa Ky – SME, Seinäjoki, Finland (NUTS: FI199); Winner of LOT-0002 and LOT-0004

Studio Wiik avoin yhtiö – SME, Kokkola, Finland (NUTS: FI1D5); Winner of LOT-0002

Oma Design Oy – SME, Helsinki, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1); Winner of LOT-0003

Kuvahaka Oy – SME, Helsinki, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1); Winner of LOT-0004

Kuvaverkko Oy – SME, Helsinki, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1); Winner of LOT-0005

Focusoiva Oy – SME, Espoo, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1); Winner of LOT-0005

Kassatalon Kuvapörssi Oy – SME, Hyvinkää, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1); Winner of LOT-0005

Evaluation Criteria

All lots use the same evaluation criteria:

• Price (65 points): Hinta 65 pistettä
• Quality (35 points): Laatu 35 pistettä

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by Directive 2014/23/EU
• Competition: 26 tenders (Osa-alue 1); 25 tenders (each Osa-alue 2 lot)
• Subcontracting: Not applicable
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds
• Concession contracts: Concession contracts based on the competition
• No dynamic purchasing system used
• Accelerated procedure: Not indicated
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus
• Call for competition terminated: The call for competition has been terminated (contracts awarded)

Additional Procurement Facts

• The estimated total value is €6,500,000.00 (VAT 0%)
• The procurement is divided into five lots
• Price (65 points) and Quality (35 points) are the evaluation criteria
• 26 tenders were received for Osa-alue 1; 25 tenders for each Osa-alue 2 lot
• All winners are micro, small or medium enterprises
• No compensation is paid by the City of Espoo; suppliers' income consists of customer fees
• The contract duration is 48 months
• Parallel tenders are prohibited; only the last tender is considered
• A tenderer can be selected for Osa-alue 1 and a maximum of two baskets in Osa-alue 2

Market & Industry Perspective

The Finnish public sector school and kindergarten photography market features specialised photography companies, predominantly SMEs. School and kindergarten photography is a well-established service in Finnish municipalities, delivered under concession models where suppliers derive income from customer purchases.

Key trends in this market include:

• Balanced evaluation: 65% price, 35% quality
• SME dominance: All winners are micro, small or medium enterprises
• Concession model: No compensation from the city; income from customer fees
• Multi-supplier frameworks: Multiple suppliers per lot
• Geographic baskets: Four geographical areas for schools and upper secondary schools
• Strong competition: 25-26 tenders per lot

Economic Significance

At €6,500,000.00, this concession represents a significant market for school and kindergarten photography services in Espoo. The contract will:

• Support Education Services: Provide photography services for schools and kindergartens
• Support SMEs: All winners are micro, small or medium enterprises
• Provide Long-Term Stability: 48-month contract period
• Ensure Service Availability: Multiple suppliers per lot across five lots
• Enable Customer Choice: Concession model with income from customer fees
• Support Local Businesses: Winners include companies from across Finland

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this concession now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 48-month contract period
• Related Services: Additional photography services for schools and kindergartens
• Upper Secondary Events: Prom dance and matriculation group photography
• Other Finnish Municipalities: Similar school and kindergarten photography procurements

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this concession is awarded, opportunities remain for photography service providers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle
• Related Services: Other photography services for schools and kindergartens
• Other Finnish Municipalities: Similar school and kindergarten photography procurements
• Upper Secondary Events: Prom dance and matriculation photography

What Businesses Should Watch

• Espoon kaupunki's future procurement notices
• Other Finnish municipal school photography tenders
• School and kindergarten photography market trends
• Changes to Finnish concession procurement regulations
• Concession model requirements and customer fee structures

FinlandTenders Procurement Intelligence

This school and kindergarten photography concession is a notable example of Finnish public sector procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €6.5M estimated value over 48 months
• Balanced evaluation: 65% price, 35% quality
• SME winners: All winners are micro, small or medium enterprises
• Five lots: Early childhood education and four geographical baskets
• Concession model: No compensation from the city; income from customer fees
• Strong competition: 25-26 tenders per lot
• Multiple suppliers: Several suppliers appointed per lot

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: 65 points price-based evaluation
• Quality: 35 points quality-based evaluation
• Photography capability: Ability to deliver school and kindergarten photography
• Public sector experience: Understanding of Finnish municipal requirements
• Concession awareness: Understanding of concession models and customer fee structures
• Geographic coverage: Ability to serve specific areas of Espoo

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing – 65 points of evaluation is price-based
• Ensure high quality – 35 points of evaluation is quality-based
• Demonstrate school and kindergarten photography capability
• Develop public sector experience with Finnish municipalities
• Understand the concession model and customer fee structures
• Monitor Espoon kaupunki and Finnish municipal procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Espoon kaupunki awarded a €6,500,000.00 school and kindergarten photography concession
• Five lots: Osa-alue 1 (early childhood education) and Osa-alue 2 (Kori 1-4 geographical baskets)
• Duration: 48 months
• Evaluation: Price (65 points) and Quality (35 points)
• 26 tenders received (Osa-alue 1); 25 tenders (each Osa-alue 2 lot)
• Multiple winners appointed across all lots
• All winners are micro, small or medium enterprises
• No EU funding
• Concession model: no compensation from the city; income from customer fees
• A tenderer can be selected for Osa-alue 1 and a maximum of two baskets in Osa-alue 2

Conclusion

This school and kindergarten photography concession ensures that the City of Espoo has access to photography services for early childhood education units, comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools. By awarding contracts to multiple suppliers across five lots, Espoon kaupunki secures a diverse panel of photography service providers, all of which are micro, small or medium enterprises.

The 65 points price and 35 points quality evaluation reflects the balanced nature of photography services procurement, where both cost and quality are important differentiators among qualified suppliers. The concession model, under which suppliers derive income from customer fees rather than city compensation, reflects the specific characteristics of school photography services in Finland.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of competitive pricing, quality, photography capability, public sector experience, and concession awareness in winning Finnish public sector school and kindergarten photography concessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Espoon kaupunki?

Ans: A local authority responsible for general public services in Espoo, Finland.

Q: What is the value of the concession?

Ans: Estimated total value €6,500,000.00 (VAT 0%).

Q: Who are the winners?

Ans: Multiple suppliers across five lots, including Markus Bergman Oy, Kumpele Oy, Frendikuva Oy, Studio Saraste Oy, Color-Kuva Oy, Asuintupa Ky, Studio Wiik avoin yhtiö, Oma Design Oy, Kuvahaka Oy, Kuvaverkko Oy, Focusoiva Oy, and Kassatalon Kuvapörssi Oy.

Q: What services are covered?

Ans: School and kindergarten photography for early childhood education units, comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools, including prom dance and matriculation group photos.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Price (65 points) and Quality (35 points).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 48 months.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: 26 tenders (Osa-alue 1); 25 tenders (each Osa-alue 2 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: Five lots – LOT-0001 (Osa-alue 1, early childhood education), LOT-0002 (Osa-alue 2, Kori 2), LOT-0003 (Osa-alue 2, Kori 1), LOT-0004 (Osa-alue 2, Kori 3), LOT-0005 (Osa-alue 2, Kori 4).

Q: How does the concession model work?

Ans: The City of Espoo does not pay compensation to suppliers; suppliers' income consists of fees charged to customers for photography products.

Q: Can a tenderer win multiple lots?

Ans: A tenderer can be selected as a supplier for Osa-alue 1 and a maximum of two baskets in Osa-alue 2.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 639242-2026, OJ S 179/2026, published 16 September 2026.

```