PROACTIS Extends Support for Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS)

PROACTIS, a global Spend Control and eProcurement solution provider, today announced general availability of enhancements to the PROACTIS Source-to-Contract application suite to extend support for the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) procurement method as defined by Regulation 34 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR2015). The new PROACTIS capabilities are already in use to support DPS-based procurement by several UK local authorities, including City of Cardiff Council and others.

According to Crown Commercial Service publication titled The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 – Dynamic Purchasing System: “The Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a procedure available for contracts for works, services and goods commonly available on the market. As a procurement tool, it has some aspects that are similar to an electronic framework agreement, but where new suppliers can join at any time. However, it has its own specific set of requirements. It is to be run as a completely electronic process, and should be set up using the restricted procedure and some other conditions (as set out in Regulation 34 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015)” Download the full PDF document.

The DPS method of procurement has been found to be especially advantageous in the acquisition of social services such as passenger transport, residential and nursing services, as well as management consultancy services. It is, however, equally applicable for any commonly purchased goods or services.

In an interview captured on Public Procurement Podcasts, Ama Eyo, Director of the LL.M (Masters) in Public Procurement Law and Strategy responded when asked about the advantages of DPS saying: “… the most important one would be the wider choice of potential suppliers that are out there, giving the duration of the system, because unlike possibly the framework that you (would) set up for four years, the suppliers are locked out. (DPS) gives you the ability to refresh the pull of suppliers who can participate in that opportunity. Then also, if in future you have new requirements that can be put in within the current advertisement without breaking the rules on modification or new contracts, that could also be catered for in a more flexible way. So those are some of the key benefits of the DPS.”

Simon Dadswell, Group Marketing Director at PROACTIS, added: “Changes made with PCR2015 to the original DPS regulations are encouraging broader adoption of DPS frameworks as they streamline the process for both buyers and suppliers. As a more flexible approach than standard framework agreements, it allows greater competition and market penetration, and reduces supplier dependencies and risk for buyers. It’s also good for suppliers. In addition to allowing new suppliers to join at any time, DPS encourages early disclosure of intended procurements, often breaks contracts into individually awarded ‘lots’, and uses easier, more standardised pre-qualification processes. Everyone wins with this approach.”

Support for DPS is now built into the PROACTIS Source-to-Contract solution, which is part of the full PROACTIS Spend Control and eProcurement platform. It uses specialised templates, workflows and business rules in the cloud-based application to streamline the DPS process while ensuring regulatory compliance. It also uses the PROACTIS Supplier Network to enable all-electronic supplier interaction, and includes an eAuction platform for use when appropriate.

Visit the PROACTIS web site to learn more about PROACTIS support for DPS.

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