**Scotland:** The Scottish Procurement Alliance has introduced two Dynamic Purchasing Systems targeting energy efficiency and repairs sectors. These systems aim to simplify public sector bidding for SMEs, foster greener infrastructure, and support local economic growth aligned with Scotland’s net-zero ambitions and Community Wealth Building Bill.
New Procurement Paths Unlock Public Sector Deals for SMEs
The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) has unveiled two innovative Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), aimed at enhancing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland to engage with public sector contracts. This strategic move comes at a time when the role of SMEs in bolstering local economies is widely acknowledged, with the SPA seeking to widen access to essential services in the public sector.
The newly introduced DPS for Repairs and Maintenance Works and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology sectors intend to simplify the bidding process for Scottish SMEs, providing them with vital opportunities to secure contracts in these critical areas. Lesley Peaty, regional director for the SPA, emphasised, “These new systems are designed to tackle two critical areas within Scotland’s public sector procurement.”
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology DPS is particularly significant in context of Scotland’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. By ensuring that essential green infrastructures—such as solar photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and battery storage—are regularly maintained, this DPS plays a crucial role in supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. Peaty added that maintaining these technologies not only boosts energy efficiency but also fosters a pool of specialist SMEs that can contribute to this green agenda.
Conversely, the Repairs and Maintenance DPS focuses on providing timely solutions for urgent and scheduled repairs across public buildings and social housing. This system ensures that fundamental services—ranging from plumbing and electrical work to structural maintenance—are efficiently administered. By prioritising rapid response times and flexibility, the DPS is designed to amplify the quality and sustainability of Scotland’s public infrastructure.
What sets the DPS apart from traditional procurement frameworks is its openness. Unlike framework agreements, which often lock in a set roster of suppliers for several years, the DPS allows new suppliers to join at any time during the agreement’s duration. This adaptability ensures a continually evolving selection of contractors, thereby increasing competition and fostering innovation. The SPA’s approach aligns with recent trends favouring agility in public procurement, a shift that has been suggested as imperative by various stakeholders in the industry.
Stakeholders argue that the introduction of these DPSs not only aligns with Scotland’s broader economic strategies—emphasised in the newly proposed Community Wealth Building Bill—but also strengthens local economies. This bill champions local economic resilience and inclusive growth, indicating a deliberate move towards ensuring that public funds are reinvested within local communities. “By making it easier for smaller, local firms to win public sector work, we’re helping ensure that more of Scotland’s public spending stays within communities,” Peaty noted, highlighting the economic ripple effect such procurement changes can yield.
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology DPS also covers a wide range of services—extending to district heating systems and HVAC systems—promoting comprehensive approaches for public sector organisations seeking sustainable solutions. By ensuring these assets remain functional, public sector entities are better equipped to handle the pressing demands of climate change while simultaneously improving the quality of life for their constituents.
In summary, the SPA’s introduction of these Dynamic Purchasing Systems marks a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and responsive public procurement landscape in Scotland. This initiative promises to not only boost the competitiveness of SMEs but also enhances the quality of public service delivery across the nation.
The upcoming years will likely reveal the impact of these systems, not just on supplier diversity and economic sustainability but also on how public service sectors adapt to the evolving challenges of a greener future.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxQdGNfSFFseXFfdGVMVTRPeHJqei1tOHBraVFhb2VzaVRBNFFUdVl5Y2g5ZEV3YV9fSkw1dnR4RS1jWElHTS00R2J0SlpQRHB2V2hMczBhU0o0UEs0R1hEd1RIeWZ4NHVuUFByekFMaG04QmxWUWpzRlpsOG5tR1hwLUtoSEhfSGo3aTlDcHdhbmY0N3pUMkZsZENXRU5TaUprMXVVMA?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en)
- Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxQdGNfSFFseXFfdGVMVTRPeHJqei1tOHBraVFhb2VzaVRBNFFUdVl5Y2g5ZEV3YV9fSkw1dnR4RS1jWElHTS00R2J0SlpQRHB2V2hMczBhU0o0UEs0R1hEd1RIeWZ4NHVuUFByekFMaG04QmxWUWpzRlpsOG5tR1hwLUtoSEhfSGo3aTlDcHdhbmY0N3pUMkZsZENXRU5TaUprMXVVMA?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[3]](https://thorntonandlowe.com/frameworks/)
- Paragraph 3 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxQdGNfSFFseXFfdGVMVTRPeHJqei1tOHBraVFhb2VzaVRBNFFUdVl5Y2g5ZEV3YV9fSkw1dnR4RS1jWElHTS00R2J0SlpQRHB2V2hMczBhU0o0UEs0R1hEd1RIeWZ4NHVuUFByekFMaG04QmxWUWpzRlpsOG5tR1hwLUtoSEhfSGo3aTlDcHdhbmY0N3pUMkZsZENXRU5TaUprMXVVMA?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[4]](https://thorntonandlowe.com/dynamic-purchasing-system-explained/)
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- Paragraph 5 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxQdGNfSFFseXFfdGVMVTRPeHJqei1tOHBraVFhb2VzaVRBNFFUdVl5Y2g5ZEV3YV9fSkw1dnR4RS1jWElHTS00R2J0SlpQRHB2V2hMczBhU0o0UEs0R1hEd1RIeWZ4NHVuUFByekFMaG04QmxWUWpzRlpsOG5tR1hwLUtoSEhfSGo3aTlDcHdhbmY0N3pUMkZsZENXRU5TaUprMXVVMA?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[5]](https://www.gov.scot/publications/procurement-requirements-reserved-for-supported-businesses-dynamic-purchasing-system/)
- Paragraph 6 – [[6]](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/005885-2025)
- Paragraph 7 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxQdGNfSFFseXFfdGVMVTRPeHJqei1tOHBraVFhb2VzaVRBNFFUdVl5Y2g5ZEV3YV9fSkw1dnR4RS1jWElHTS00R2J0SlpQRHB2V2hMczBhU0o0UEs0R1hEd1RIeWZ4NHVuUFByekFMaG04QmxWUWpzRlpsOG5tR1hwLUtoSEhfSGo3aTlDcHdhbmY0N3pUMkZsZENXRU5TaUprMXVVMA?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[7]](https://home.scotland-excel.org.uk/newsroom/news/refurbishment-and-maintenance/)
Source: Noah Wire Services
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