Rural Support Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)

7. Short description of requirement
The client requires a compliant DPS Framework to deliver a wide variety of Rural Support services and engage with suppliers in an evolving sector. To support the priorities the most suitable solution is the creation of the Rural Support Dynamic Purchasing System. The DPS will be accessible for 4 years with supplier applications being accepted throughout its duration. It is expected that the DPS will be established around the end of September 2024, and call-off contracts will begin via mini-competition shortly after.
Acknowledging the breadth of work that the Welsh Government procures from the rural sector, 3 categories have been identified to meet our requirements:
Category 1 – Rural Support Programme and Project Support Services (including grant support services)
Category 2 – Rural Support Advice and Technical Services
Category 3 – Rural Support Engagement Services
Specialist areas where these support services may be required include, but are not limited to:
- Rural Communities
- Agricultural production
- Sustainable land management
- Nutrient management and soils
- Carbon Assessment
- Agricultural diversification
- Woodland and forestry
- Horticulture production
- Animal health and welfare
- Food and rural supply chains
- Innovation and technology
- Natural resources added value supply chains
- Rural infrastructure and services
- Waste management
- Resource efficiency and circular economy
- Disease control measures and surveillance
- ICT development and support

Lot 1: Category 1 – Rural Support Programme and Project Support Services (including grant support services) — Suppliers for this category will provide comprehensive programme and project focused services, particularly in rural sector advancements and Rural Affairs policy priorities. The Welsh Government aims to foster significant improvements in agricultural, infrastructural, economic, and community aspects of rural areas through targeted large-scale programmes, smaller scale projects, schemes, and grant funding initiatives.
Lot 2: Category 2 – Rural Support Advice and Technical Services — Suppliers for this category will play a crucial role in the analysis and development of policies that cater to the evolving needs of the rural sector. This includes understanding current policies, proposing new or amended policies, and ensuring these are economically viable, sustainable, and socially inclusive.
The Welsh Government also regularly requires technical and specialist services to fulfil several of its rural support obligations. Suppliers for this category will support through surveys, assessments, testing, investigations, and impact assessments. Other potential areas of focus are policy analysis, spatial analysis, reviews of evidence, feasibility studies, testing new approaches, technical training, evaluation, development of technical guidance and technical input within established Welsh Government processes.
Lot 3: Category 3 – Rural Support Engagement Services — Suppliers for this broader category will provide comprehensive engagement services for the rural sector, with emphasis on rural communities, farmers and sustainable land management. The Welsh Government aims to facilitate effective communication and engagement, based on development, knowledge dissemination and implementation of rural support policies and initiatives.
This category involves engagement with farmers and wider rural communities to understand and address their unique needs, as well as provide services to assist in the delivery of crucial information to industry and stakeholders.