Establishing a new public service and setting up a social security system for Scotland not only gives us an opportunity to provide an important service to the people who will receive our benefits, it also gives us an opportunity to increase our economic impact.
Our approach to procurement (the process of buying goods, services and works) is one way that we can make sure we can have a positive effect on the economy.
Our Corporate Procurement Strategy sets out our approach to procurement activity and how we will meet our obligations as a public body.
All contracts are awarded based on value for money, which is the best balance between quality and cost. Cost includes the purchase price and all other associated costs over the lifetime of the requirement, such as maintenance and disposal.
Goods, services and works must be obtained through proper competition unless there is a valid reason not to.
For all contracts over £50,000, a contract award notice must be published on Public Contracts Scotland.
Our policy helps us make sure that our procurement:
Social Security Scotland procurement must follow these rules:
We also follow The Procurement Journey policies, procedures and guidance.
All interested suppliers are advised to register on Public Contracts Scotland, complete their supplier profile and select YES to supplier finder. This will ensure that suppliers are visible to buyers for quotation and tender opportunities.
Our contract opportunities can be found according to their value:
Opportunities over £50,000 (excluding VAT) for goods and services are advertised as follows:
Opportunities below £50,000 (excluding VAT) for goods and services:
View our buyer profile and contract opportunities. Our Forward Plan can be viewed in the Documents tab.
We also place contracts under collaborative framework agreements & dynamic purchasing systems awarded by other organisations. Find out more about collaborative contracts and frameworks.
Opportunities for works are advertised on Public Contracts Scotland where the value is over £2 million.
We pay all valid invoices which are not in dispute within 30 days of receipt. While valid invoices must be paid within 30 days we pay as many as possible within ten days. We require our contractors to pay valid invoices from their subcontractors and sub-subcontractors within 30 days of receipt.
Additional support and guidance for suppliers bidding for public sector contracts is available as follows:
Supplier Development Programme
Contact our Procurement Team within Social Security Scotland
Scottish Government Single Point of Enquiry - provides an independent and impartial service where suppliers to the public sector in Scotland can obtain advice or highlight any concerns about the application of the procurement rules or the management of a specific tender exercise.