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Important changes to Public Contracts Scotland for the third sector

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The Scottish Government has introduced important changes to Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) making it easier for third sector organisations to identify themselves and be found by public sector buyers – opening up new opportunities to bid for and win public sector contracts.

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What is PCS?

Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) is the national procurement platform where Scottish public sector bodies advertise contract opportunities. This can include providing health and social care training, peer support services, crisis outreach services, temporary accommodation services, youth work, sports coaching, and much more. 

Through PCS, suppliers can register their business, create supplier finder profiles, and access opportunities including Quick Quote requests (i.e. for any contract opportunities that are under £50,000) from public sector buyers. The platform plays a vital role in connecting public sector buyers with potential suppliers, including third sector organisations.

What has changed?

The updates to PCS include:

  • A simplified process for third sector organisations to identify themselves when registering
  • Enhanced search functionality allowing buyers to specifically find third sector suppliers
  • Integration of third sector identification within the Quick Quote system
  • Improved data collection to track engagement and impact

Why is this important?

These changes will help:

  • Make it easier for third sector organisations to register and be found on PCS
  • Enable public sector buyers to better identify and engage with third sector suppliers
  • Support increased participation of third sector organisations in public procurement  
  • Generate better data on third sector engagement in public procurement.

What action should third sector organisations take?

If you’re a third sector organisation:

  1. Register on PCS if you haven’t already. When you do so, select that you are a third sector organisation and an SME. If applicable, you can also select supported business
  2. Update your searchable supplier finder profile, highlighting the goods and services you provide to maximise visibility
  3. Press publish