Welcome to the Supplier Development Programme
If you’re a Scottish SME or third sector organisation interested in working with the public sector, we can help. We offer expert training, support and information to help you win work and grow your business. And best of all – it’s completely free.
Latest news
Help the Scottish Government shape the Procurement and Supplier Journeys
6 Jul: Don't miss your chance to help the Scottish Government shape the updated Procurement and Supplier Journeys.
Public Service Reform Committee seeks views as part of pre-budget scrutiny
6 Jul: The Public Service Reform Committee is seeking views from public sector leaders, staff delivering public sector services, and more as part of its pre-budget scrutiny 2027-28.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited seeks supplier feedback on Port Infrastructure Framework
6 Jul: Caledonian Maritime Assets is seeking feedback from suppliers on a proposed Port Infrastructure Framework opportunity.
Tender opportunities
- • Adult Carers and Young Carers Support Services
- • Supply, Delivery and Installation of Hermetic Sealing Kit
- • Paisley Museum - Signage
- • Replacement of Corporate Telephony and Contact Centre Environment
- • Hard Facilities Management
- • A9 Tay Crossing to Ballinluig - Cranage (Contract Lift)
- • NMS - Fire Stopping Works
- • A9 Tay Crossing to Ballinluig - Demolition Contractor
- • Prior Information Notice - Playpark Refurbishment
- • Repairs and Maintenance to Piers and Pontoons around Loch Lomond plus 5 year contract
- • Adult Carers and Young Carers Support Services
- • Supply, Delivery and Installation of Hermetic Sealing Kit
- • Paisley Museum - Signage
- • Replacement of Corporate Telephony and Contact Centre Environment
- • Hard Facilities Management
- • A9 Tay Crossing to Ballinluig - Cranage (Contract Lift)
- • NMS - Fire Stopping Works
- • A9 Tay Crossing to Ballinluig - Demolition Contractor
- • Prior Information Notice - Playpark Refurbishment
- • Repairs and Maintenance to Piers and Pontoons around Loch Lomond plus 5 year contract
Featured events
1.4 Planning Your Bid – Time and Resources
Tuesday 4 August 2026, 2.00-3:30pm
Webinar
The biggest learning curve in tendering is understanding the time, energy and resources that go into creating a winning bid. This webinar will walk you through the steps of how to plan and manage your bid, making it as stress free as possible.
1.5 Pricing Your Tender – A Sustainable Approach
Thursday 6 August 2026, 10.30am-12:00pm
Webinar
Do you find the pricing element of your bid challenging or is it a stab in dark, then let’s shine a little light on it! ? During this course, an SDP expert will help you to overcome the common challenges faced by suppliers and explain how your pricing is evaluated by public sector buyers
2.1 Passing the Selection Stage – The Single Procurement Document (SPD)
Wednesday 12 August 2026, 2.00-3:30pm
Webinar
During this webinar we take an in-depth look at the Single Procurement Document (SPD), which was formerly known as the ESPD and PQQ. Attend this course to gain tips and hints that will help you ace this first step and move forward in the bidding process.
Aligned Tender Training: SLC Carer Support Services for Adult and Young Carers
Thursday 13 August 2026, 2.00-3:30pm
Webinar
South Lanarkshire Council is seeking to work in partnership with experienced third sector organisations to deliver cost‑effective, outcome‑based Adult Carer and Young Carer Support Services, in line with the priorities set out in the Carers Strategy 2023–2026.
2.2 How to Write Outstanding Tenders - The Invitation to Tender (ITT) Stage
Thursday 20 August 2026, 10.00-11:30am
Webinar
Bidding is all about getting the right words on the page and getting a compliant bid submitted on time. This webinar will demonstrate how to use PCS and PCS-T and will also look at how to construct excellent responses to buyers' questions.
Inverclyde Meet the Buyer
Tuesday 25 August 2026, 9.30am-12:30pm
SDP Event
Inverclyde Council, in partnership with Supplier Development Programme, invite local businesses and third sector organisations to a Meet the Buyer event, on Tuesday 25 August 2026, at the Beacon Arts Centre.
2.3 Understanding and Bidding - Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)
Tuesday 25 August 2026, 10.30am-12:00pm
Webinar
New Frameworks are an integral part of public procurement and can be a lucrative source of business, but it’s essential to understand the Agreement. This workshop explains the types of frameworks available and what you can expect from them.
Useful resources
Getting started
Read our helpful jargon buster and other documents
Case studies
How SMEs in Scotland have won public sector work with the support of SDP
If things go wrong
Help for suppliers who are having issues or concerns with a Scottish procurement exercise
Sample policy documents
Download free, customisable workplace policy templates for your business
