{"id":519978,"date":"2025-05-08T08:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T07:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionnews.co.uk\/?p=519978"},"modified":"2025-05-07T17:59:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T16:59:25","slug":"new-procurement-model-aims-to-boost-sme-access-to-scottish-public-sector-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionnews.co.uk\/supply-chain\/new-procurement-model-aims-to-boost-sme-access-to-scottish-public-sector-work-08-05-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"New procurement model aims to boost SME access to Scottish public sector work"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth
\nWho is Harmsworth?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Two open-access procurement routes launched by the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) in February 2025 are expected to widen access to public sector repair and energy efficiency contracts for small and medium-sized enterprises.<\/p>\n

The Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPSs) cover reactive maintenance and green technology work, and are intended to increase SME participation in the delivery of Scottish infrastructure and housing projects.<\/p>\n

The first route, the Repairs and Maintenance Works DPS, allows public bodies to commission emergency and scheduled work in social housing and public buildings. Covered trades include plumbing, electrical, roofing, and structural repair.<\/p>\n

The second, the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology DPS, covers services for solar PV, heat pumps, battery storage, and HVAC systems, supporting decarbonisation and energy transition goals.<\/p>\n

SPA regional director Lesley Peaty said the two systems were designed to keep supply chains open and adaptable. \u201cBy breaking down barriers to entry, we are ensuring that SMEs, many of which are the backbone of our local economy, have a fair opportunity to contribute to public sector projects,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The new DPSs differ from conventional frameworks by remaining open throughout their term, allowing new suppliers to join at any point.<\/p>\n

SPA, Scotland\u2019s largest free-to-join procurement body, supports more than 700 live projects worth a combined \u00a31.1bn. Its existing frameworks have already registered more than 300 suppliers.<\/p>\n

The new systems are aligned with the Scottish Government\u2019s Community Wealth Building Bill and aim to embed social value in procurement. Since 2017, SPA\u2019s Community Benefit Fund has awarded \u00a31.1m in grants to 102 projects, helping deliver \u00a35.7m in social value and assisting more than 35,000 people.<\/p>\n

SPA delivers the fund in partnership with Lintel Trust, a local housing charity.<\/p>\n

Source: SPA press release\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth? Two open-access procurement routes launched by the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) in February 2025 are expected to widen access to public sector repair and energy efficiency contracts for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPSs) cover reactive maintenance and green technology …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135716,"featured_media":461521,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[57171],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n