Two significant new opportunities designed to drive forward Scottish public sector infrastructure and energy efficiency projects officially opened in late February 2025.

The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), Scotland's largest free-to-join procurement organisation, has introduced two Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) aimed at making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete for public sector work across Scotland.

Scottish SMEs can now apply to join the Repairs and Maintenance Works DPS and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology DPS, offering valuable opportunities in their respective sectors.

Lesley Peaty, Regional Director for The Scottish Procurement Alliance, explained the strategic importance of these new systems: "These new systems are designed to tackle two critical areas within Scotland's public sector procurement. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology DPS ensures that vital green infrastructure and evolving technology, such as solar PV systems, heat pumps, and battery storage, is properly maintained, supporting Scotland's transition to net zero while creating opportunities for specialist SMEs. Meanwhile, the Repairs & Maintenance DPS provides a fast, reactive and flexible route for urgent and scheduled repairs across public buildings and social housing, ensuring that essential services like plumbing, electrical, and structural maintenance are carried out efficiently."

Unlike traditional framework agreements, which operate with a fixed list of suppliers for several years, a DPS remains open throughout its duration, allowing new businesses to join at any time. This flexibility fosters a constantly evolving pool of suppliers, increasing accessibility for SMEs and providing public sector buyers with greater choice and adaptability.

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Peaty further emphasized the benefits for local businesses: "By 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. These DPSs are built around accessibility, sustainability, and social value, ensuring that Scotland's procurement model supports community wealth-building while driving progress towards improving housing standards and tackling key net-zero issues. This aligns with the direction set out in the new Community Wealth Building Bill, which champions local economic resilience and inclusive growth. 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, ultimately creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and building long-term economic resilience."

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology DPS is specifically designed to support Scotland's transition to a low-carbon future. It provides public sector organizations with access to trusted suppliers for the servicing and repair of a range of systems, including solar PV, air and ground source heat pumps, battery storage, district heating systems, and HVAC systems. This ensures optimal asset condition, contributing to improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and Scotland's net-zero targets.

The Repairs & Maintenance DPS focuses on ensuring public buildings, housing, and other key infrastructures remain safe, functional, and fit for purpose. It covers both emergency and scheduled repairs, encompassing plumbing, electrical, structural works, roofing, drainage, and external maintenance, offering a streamlined route for public sector buyers to source dependable contractors.

Currently, the SPA supports over 700 live projects valued at £1.1 billion and works with 300 suppliers. The organization also operates a Community Benefit Fund (CBF) in partnership with local housing charity Lintel Trust. Since 2017, the CBF has awarded £1.1 million in grants to 102 projects, attracting over £1.2 million in match funding. These projects have focused on social inclusion, employability, mental health, and youth programmes, benefiting over 35,000 people and delivering £5.7 million in social value.

For more information on the SPA and the new DPS opportunities, businesses can visit their website or the In-tend host portal.

To learn more about SPA, please visit: www.scottishprocurement.scot/

To learn more about the DPS, please visit: in-tendhost.co.uk/lhc/aspx/Tenders/Current