Procurement - digital technology and cyber services: dynamic purchasing system

This dynamic purchasing system (DPS), is for the provision of digital technology and cyber services (DTCS).It replaces our DPS 2.0 for digital and technology services which expired in March 2023.


Introduction

Warning

Who can access: all public sector
Contract status: live
Dates of contract: 02 March 2023 – 31 March 2027
Category: ICT services and software - national

Scottish Procurement have created this dynamic purchasing system to continue to provide Scottish public sector and third sector bodies with a quick route to market for digital technology and cyber security services. This is to ensure that suppliers have equal opportunity to access public sector contracts by using minimal selection criteria to join.

Overview

The new dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for the provision of digital technology and cyber services (DTCS) is now live.

The DPS will support and be an enabler for a number of digital initiatives, specifically "Scotland's Digital Strategy, "A changing nation: how Scotland will thrive in a digital world"" and provide access to a range of digital technology skills, including cyber expertise, as well as supporting the delivery of agile projects.

This replaces our DPS 2.0 for Digital and Technology Services which expired in March 2023.

Suppliers wishing to participate should firstly register themselves on both Public Contracts Scotland and Public Contracts Scotland Tender systems. 

Contracts are awarded via call-offs, issued by Scottish public sector organisations through the DPS, inviting suppliers to tender for in scope services. 

About dynamic purchasing systems

A dynamic purchasing system is a two stage procurement process, where suppliers submit an application to join and are evaluated against minimum selection criteria prior to being accepted. The second stage uses a mini-competition process for contract specific tender opportunities.

Suppliers can apply to join the DPS at any point during its lifetime. This makes it an ideal route to market for buyers procuring specialist digital services and allowing relatively new suppliers access to public sector contracts. Suppliers who do not meet the selection criteria can reapply to join at any point.

Dynamic purchasing systems must be run as a completely electronic process, as laid out under Regulation 35 of the Public (Contracts) Scotland Regulations 2015.

Benefits of a dynamic purchasing system

A dynamic purchasing system follows a similar procurement process to that of a framework agreement. However a DPS offers some flexibility in the application process. Suppliers are able to join or leave the dynamic purchasing system at any time.

What is in scope

The service will be split into four lots:

  • lot 1 – digital technology projects and services
  • lot 2 – digital technology resources
  • lot 3 – digital training services
  • lot 4 – cyber security services

What is out of scope

The following will not be covered:

  • ICT products
  • direct purchase of software
  • maintenance of desktop equipment
  • networks

There are other frameworks that are more suitable for ICT products and networks, as well as temporary and interim staff recruitment services.

If you have any doubts of the correct framework to utilise please contact a member of the ICT Services and Software team. Details are below.

Who can use this

The service can be used by:

  • central government
  • health
  • local authorities
  • universities and colleges
  • third sector (voluntary organisations and charities registered in Scotland)
  • other public bodies

Note: It is the responsibility of any buying organisation wishing to use DTCS DPS to satisfy itself that it is eligible to do so.  If there is any doubt, legal advice should be sought.

Benefits

Benefits of the service include:

  • access to a wide range of digital technology suppliers
  • easy access for suppliers, encouraging competition and SME participation
  • suppliers can join the DPS at any time, provided they meet the minimum selection criteria
  • completely electronic process
  • streamlined procurement

More information

We have published the buyer's guide for this framework here:

See our guide to dynamic purchasing systems.
See: all Scottish Government frameworks and contracts

Contact

Alasdair Rowan

Email: Alasdair.rowan@gov.scot
Telephone: 0141 242 0207
Senior Portfolio Specialist
National Collaborative Procurement Division
Scottish Procurement

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