Procurement - digital technology and cyber services DPS: buyer's guide

Dynamic purchasing system (DPS) information

About dynamic purchasing systems

A dynamic purchasing system is a two stage procurement process similar to a framework agreement 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.

Unlike a Framework agreement suppliers can apply to join 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.

How a DPS operates

A DPS is a two stage process:

Supplier requests to participate by completing the Scottish Single Procurement Document (SPD) - suppliers are required to complete this and meet a minimum selection criteria.

Note: Stage 1 is managed by Scottish Procurement for the setup of the DPS and new suppliers can apply to join the DPS at any point during its term.

Call-off contracts are tendered via mini-competition through the DPS by public sector organisations and any eligible suppliers can bid for call-off contracts that are issued via the DPS.

• there is no maximum or minimum limit to the number of suppliers approved to each Lot
• suppliers have the option to join the DPS at any time
• suppliers may apply for 1 or any of the lots. Suppliers can also choose to apply for different lots at different times if they wish. For example, a supplier accepted to Lot 1 only can subsequently apply to join Lot 3 as their business expands