Software Value Added Re-seller Services Framework Pin-RFI
Scottish GovernmentEstimated Value
Up to £300,000,000
Deadline
Not specified
Published
11 June 2026
Type
Not specified
Overview
Scottish Procurement intents to create a national collaborative framework arrangement for use by the wider Scottish public sector for the provision of software and software supporting services. (Full scope to be defined).
The new framework if progressed will continue from the existing Software Value Added Re-seller Services Framework Agreement which is due to expire in April 2027. Details in the link below: https://www.gov.scot/publications/software-value-added-re... In order to inform the commodity strategy.
Scottish Procurement is seeking views from suppliers and stakeholders via an attached RFI and questionnaire, Link below and within RFI: https://forms.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=R3... Scottish Procurement intends to create a national collaborative framework arrangement for use by the wider Scottish public sector for the provision of software and software supporting services.
Additional details
The full scope, structure and lotting arrangements have still to be determined, however the following list provides details on the current services being offered to the Scottish public sector: -Purchase of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software & support services. -Services in support of purchased software - including but not limited to software support, software implementation services and Software as a service (SaaS). -Helpdesk facilities - a 24/7 helpdesk to provide support and advice. - Asset recording of all purchased software - Aggregation of bulk software purchases. -Running of pricing competitions between software options to identify further savings. -Provision of advice with regards to licencing. - Licencing compliance checks. - Maintenance of software licence records, software audit services, data migration services and software asset management. Suppliers and other interested parties should read and complete the attached Request for Information which includes a link to an Online Questionnaire. Questionnaire also available from the link below: https://forms.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=R3... The survey closing time and date is midday on 9 July 2026 Additional information: Scottish public sector organisations will be able to join this arrangement at any time: the new framework will not be mandated.
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
Scottish Procurement is gathering supplier feedback to design a new national framework agreement for software and software services that will replace their current agreement expiring in April 2027. This is an early-stage consultation (called an RFI) to understand what suppliers can offer and how the framework should be structured — it's not yet an actual tender to bid on.
Requirements
- Suppliers must complete and submit the online questionnaire by midday on 9 July 2026
- Suppliers should have experience providing at least one of the listed services (COTS software, SaaS, helpdesk, licence management, etc.)
- No formal accreditations or certifications specified at this stage — requirements will be set when the full framework is designed
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Provide commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software licences and support services to Scottish public sector organisations
- Deliver 24/7 helpdesk support and technical advice for software users
- Implement software solutions and data migration services
- Manage software asset records and conduct licence compliance audits
- Aggregate bulk software purchases and run competitive pricing exercises to secure savings
- Provide expert advice on software licensing terms and compliance
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a full tender — Scottish Procurement is asking 'what can suppliers do?' before writing the actual rules. Your response shapes the framework, so be clear about your capabilities.
- 2The current framework link shows what services are already being delivered — review it to understand the scope and see if you're competitive.
- 3The framework is not mandatory for Scottish public sector bodies, so adoption may be lower than a mandated agreement — factor this into your planning.
- 4Full scope, structure, and 'lotting' (how services are divided) are still being decided — your questionnaire input influences whether services are sold separately or bundled, which affects your strategy.
- 5Watch for the formal tender notice after this RFI closes (likely late 2026 or early 2027) — completing this questionnaire puts you on the radar and demonstrates market awareness.
Tips for Small Businesses
- Consortium opportunity: if you specialise in one service (e.g. helpdesk or asset management), consider partnering with a larger software reseller for the full framework bid — Scottish Procurement often favours mixed teams for complex frameworks.
- Use the questionnaire to highlight any unique service or cost advantage (e.g. Scottish-based support, compliance expertise, or niche software verticals) — this input directly influences how the framework is designed and could create a slot tailored to your strengths.
- Start building relationships now: identify which Scottish public sector bodies (councils, health boards, universities) currently use your services and ask them to mention you when they engage with procurement — customer references matter heavily in the formal tender.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
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How to Apply
Step-by-step submission guide
Submission Portal
Find a Tender
Open the original notice
Click the button below to view the full notice on Find a Tender Service (FTS)
Check the procedure type
The "Procedure" section tells you if it's Open (one stage) or Restricted (SQ then ITT). This changes how you apply
Access the eSourcing portal
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Complete the Selection Questionnaire
Higher-value contracts often require an SQ first — this pre-qualifies you before the full bid stage
Submit electronically
Upload your completed response through the eSourcing platform before the closing date and time
FTS contracts are above UK procurement thresholds. Late submissions are strictly rejected — submit at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Useful Resources
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Buyer Profile
Scottish GovernmentKey Dates
Published
11 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
planning
Source
find a tender
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