Supported Business consultation launched by the Scottish Government

Supported Businesses, organisations whose main aim are to integrate disabled or disadvantaged people socially and professionally., with an interest in supplying goods or services to the public sector in Scotland have been asked to respond to a Scottish Government Request For Information (RFI).

Presently supported Businesses supplying the Scottish public sector do so via the Commodities Reserved for Supported Businesses Framework, however this is due to expire on 9 December 2022.

The replacement for this framework may involve the establishment of a further Framework Agreement or a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).

For those unfamiliar with a DPS, a DPS is an electronic process of pre-qualified suppliers, for commonly used purchases which are generally available on the market, from which the Scottish public sector could invite tenders.

As a procurement tool, it has some aspects that are similar to a framework agreement, however, it is a fully electronic process and new suppliers can apply to join at any time.

In contrast, a framework agreement does not allow suppliers to join at any time.

As part of its development of its Procurement Strategy, the Scottish Government’s Procurement and Property Directorate are seeking information from organisations who can demonstrate that they meet the definition of a Supported Business and who may be interested in supplying their Goods and or Services to the public sector in Scotland.

Examples of these Goods and Services could include, but is not exhaustive to: furniture, signage, personal protective equipment, clothing & document management services.

To respond, download the Request for Information and go to page 4 to complete the form.

Please send the completed form to – dawn.warnock@gov.scot by 25 April 2022.