Changes To Public Contracts Scotland Third Sector Identifier

Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) is the national procurement platform where Scottish public sector bodies advertise contract opportunities. 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.

Important changes have been made to the PCS Third Sector Identifier that will make 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. Over the coming months, CEIS will be sharing regular updates, resources and support to help organisations make the most of these changes. The new changes support Action 8 of the SME and Third Sector Procurement Action Plan, which aims to enhance third sector data from the supplier finder on PCS to facilitate search functionality. Key changes include:

• Simplified third sector identifier on initial PCS registration
• Enhanced ability for buyers to search for Third Sector Suppliers within the Quick Quote system
• Better data collection for reporting and monitoring.

The changes aim to increase third sector participation in public procurement and ultimately lead to increased year-on-year public sector spend with the third sector.

To engage with these changes, third sector organisations should:

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.

Support to engage with these changes is available through:

• How-to guides and videos (linked for your convenience)
• Webinars and training sessions
• One-to-one support at Public Contracts Scotland Supplier Profile Changes – CEIS

For further information, please read through the PCS Changes Comms Pack (linked for your convenience) or visit the CEIS Group social media for updates. For any questions, please contact:

• For PCS registration and support queries:
• • James Finnie: james.finnie@ceis.org.uk / 07850 527381
  • Claire McLaughlin: claire.mclaughlin@ceis.org.uk / 07407 790249
• For communications and marketing materials:
• • Mark Fraser: mark.fraser@ceis.org.uk / 0141 425 2927