If you’ve briefly looked into bidding for certain contracts, or have considered working for a government body/public body, you have probably heard of the term DPS. But what is it? We break down this type of bid, how it works and what it can do for your business.
DPS stands for Dynamic Purchasing System and is a procurement tool that enables public sector buyers to search for suppliers based on various criteria. Unlike traditional procurement methods, a DPS allows for ongoing supplier entry and competition, fostering a dynamic marketplace.
How Does a DPS Work?
The process begins with buyers registering on the DPS platform and browsing available agreements to identify potential suppliers. Using filtering options provided by the system, buyers can create a shortlist of suppliers based on categories such as capability, credentials, or location.
This is where your business comes in. As a supplier on a DPS, you put yourself on a database that is available to buyers for an extended period of time. This means that a number of buyers can approach you at any point but also allows you to see when they have an opportunity worth bidding for.
The Benefits of a DPS
There are a number of benefits to joining a DPS as they can work as a good introduction into the world of bidding. These include:
Flexibility: Unlike traditional procurement methods, DPS provides a flexible framework that allows for ongoing supplier entry. This adaptability means you can tailor how engaged you are based on your business’ circumstances at a given time.
Continuous opportunities for suppliers: By registering on a DPS platform, suppliers gain access to a steady stream of potential contracts throughout the duration of the agreement. This ongoing availability of opportunities gives suppliers the chance to partner with buyers on great contracts throughout their time on the DPS.
Streamlined procurement processes: For suppliers, a DPS offers a simplified and efficient procurement process. The platform allows suppliers to easily put themselves forward for contracts on specific criteria. This streamlines the supplier selection process for buyers too, saving time and resources for both parties.
How to Get Started
If you’re a potential supplier that’s keen to get onto a DPS, you may be wondering where and how to get started. This is something we are asked frequently at Winning Tenders and the answer varies from business to business.
It all depends on where you are currently on your journey. Have you won a bid before? Are you a seasoned business full of experts in your particular field? What is the right DPS for your line of work? These are just some of the things to consider.
For this reason, working with bidding experts to help get your foot in the door when it comes to a DPS can be extremely beneficial. We work with businesses to assess their needs and what they have to offer buyers, only then do we recommend a particular DPS and help you get on to it.
If you think you might need some extra help to get your business to where it needs to be, bid-wise, email Winning Tenders at info@winningtenders.com or call us at 01392 247997, as we offer bespoke solutions for any size of business.