How can I sell to the Scottish Government?
The new contracts advertising portal Public Contracts Scotland allows access to Scottish Government contract information. Suppliers are able to view both OJEU and sub-threshold contract opportunities and can register for free tailored email alerts.
For certain construction-related services the Scottish Government makes use of the "Constructionline" database. For further information on Constructionline telephone 0131 244 7482/7480.
Where are contracts advertised?
All Scottish Government contracting opportunities are advertised on the contracts advertsing portal Public Contracts Scotland. This is a free of charge, easy to use advertising portal for all organisations within the scottish public sector. Suppliers can gain access to all contract opportunities at both OJEU and sub threshold level in the public sector and can browse/search by location, commodity or authority. Public Contracts Scotland allows access to buyer profiles and contract information of all registered public sector organisations. Once registered, suppliers can receive free tailored contract e-mail alerts.
Do small firms have an opportunity to compete with larger organisations?
The Scottish Government recognises the benefits of doing business with small and medium sized enterprises and has, for some time, made extensive use of their services. Given the nature and often comparatively large size of government contracts there will inevitably be circumstances when small firms will have the best opportunities as sub-contractors rather than main.
Our aim is to ensure that, wherever possible and consistent with the need to secure value for money, SMEs have the opportunity to compete for Scottish Government business.
What is the eProcurement Scotland programme?
Details are available from the eProcurement Scotl@nd site
What is Scottish Government Policy towards Equal Opportunities?
Details are available from our Equality page
What is Scottish Government Policy towards Race Relations?
This is outlined in our policy section
What about Supported Employment Enterprises?
The UK Government announced in late 1994 the introduction of the "Special Contracts Arrangement" scheme which assists workshops for disabled people to compete for Government contracts. The scheme is consistent with both procurement policy guidelines and EC law. Should you wish to register your own organisation in this scheme, or obtain further information about it, please contact:
Workstep
Telephone 0131-555-0551
What is the Scottish Government policy towards environmentally friendly purchasing?
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring, whenever possible, that we, and our suppliers minimise any adverse impact on the environment. We also actively encourage the use of recyclable materials in packaging and packing and are committed to buying recycled/reusable products where these are available, affordable and fit for purpose. Further information on the policy towards environmentally friendly purchasing is available here
What is the Scottish Governmentpolicy on payments?
The Scottish Government believes in the importance of paying all our suppliers on time and to this end we are signed up to the CBI Prompt Payment Code. Our aim is to pay all invoices on time. This will usually be 30 days from the date of receipt of a valid invoice or satisfactory receipt of the goods/services whichever is the later. It is not our practice to pay earlier than the 30 days unless previously agreed with a supplier. Another initiative to help our payment performance is a move to making all our payments by BACS. As well as improved security for larger sums, BACS ensures that your money is available to you more quickly.
You can also help us to pay promptly by ensuring that:
All invoices are correctly addressed with the full name of either the Department, or better still the person, with whom you are dealing:
All invoices quote our purchase order number or other appropriate reference:
All invoices carry a contact point for invoice queries:
Any change to your address or payment details are notified to us as quickly as possible.
Providing this information will help us ensure your invoices are paid promptly. If, however, you experience any problems receiving payment please contact in the first instance the ordering Division or, if the problems persist, our Nick Bowd, Director, Scottish Procurement Directorate (p:0131 244 3504, e-mail: Nicholas.Bowd@scotland.gsi.gov.uk )
E-procurement Scotland should also facilitate prompt payment of invoices.
What are the Scottish Government Terms and Conditions of Contract?
The Scottish Government has a policy of applying its own terms and conditions to contracts. This is partly because there are certain issues which the civil service is obliged by the nature of its business to address, e.g. break clauses.
You are requested, when submitting a simple quotation, not to refer to your terms and conditions. You will normally be provided, with the order form, a set of the Scottish Government's terms and conditions.
Similarly, if you are invited to tender, you will receive a set of the Scottish Government's standard terms and conditions with the Invitation To Tender [ITT]. For samples of Scottish Executive Standard Terms and Conditions refer to our Sample Tender Documentation page
What about offers of hospitality or gifts?
Public servants are obliged to follow a strict code of ethics. Relationships and/or hospitality which might be considered normal elsewhere may not be acceptable when dealing with public servants. Offers of inappropriate or excessive hospitality or gifts must not be made to public servants.
Any supplier found to have made such is likely to prejudice its existing contracts and/or prospects of future business.