How to Find, Apply for and Benefit from Open Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) on eTenders
- amandabeagan
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Amanda Craven – Director of CB Consultants
July 2025
Are you actively looking to win public sector contracts in Ireland?
Many organisations don't realise that some of the most valuable, long-term opportunities in public procurement aren’t the typical one-off tenders; they come in the form of Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) - procurement frameworks that remain open for applications for years after their establishment.
As of July 2025, there are 437 active DPS competitions listed on eTenders.gov.ie, covering everything from construction and medical consumables to professional services and IT support.
In this guide we break down what a DPS is - and why you should consider applying to join one in your sector.
What Is a Dynamic Purchasing System?
A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is a public sector procurement model that enables buyers (such as the HSE, Irish Rail, or local authorities) to pre-qualify suppliers in a particular category of work, goods or services.
Once your business is accepted onto a DPS, you’ll be eligible for future mini-competitions or direct awards for public sector contracts, often over a period of 4 to 8 years.
Key advantages:
Once admitted, you’re eligible for future opportunities without having to requalify
DPS contracts can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of euros
You can apply at any time after it goes live
A DPS is particularly valuable for SMEs who want to build a consistent public sector pipeline and establish a good reputation with buyers, but may not have the bandwidth to apply for regular lengthy tender processes.
Why Is a Dynamic Purchasing System Useful for Suppliers?
Being accepted onto a DPS doesn’t guarantee work, but it opens the door to it. You’re placed on a list of pre-approved suppliers the buyer will use when they release a mini-competition or request prices/quotes.
Once you're in, you can:
Be invited to mini-competitions over the system's lifetime
Gain repeat visibility with the same buyer group
Avoid the heavy lifting of full qualification on each bid
Build familiarity and trust with public sector procurement teams
What Do You Need to Join a Dynamic Purchasing System?
Every DPS is different, but typically you’ll need to provide:
Company information and contact information
Evidence of experience and qualifications
Insurance, tax and financial information
Health & safety documents
Policy and management system documents (e.g. GDPR, Environmental)
Case studies or references
Answers to compliance or capability questions
Some DPSs, especially those in high-risk sectors like construction or healthcare, may include additional technical questions surrounding your systems and processes. However, most focus on basic compliance (insurances, policies, and people) and evidence of past experience and performance.
How you can find Opportunities on eTenders
Go to: www.etenders.gov.ie
Click on “Advanced Search” on the top right of the screen
In the “Procedure” dropdown, select “Dynamic Purchasing System”
Filter further by adding your sector/service or a keyword in the Title or Description fields
Click “Search”
Check your results for the DPS Expiry Date and review the estimated value and scope
Download the DPS documents and review entry requirements in detail
There are hundreds of public sector DPS contracts to review – ranging from €50K to over €100M. The key is to proactively seek out the right one for your business and determine whether you can meet the eligibility criteria.
Open Dynamic Purchasing System Opportunities
Here's a sample of currently open DPS opportunities that are well worth a look:
Name of contract: Utilities Qualification System for Building and Civils Works - €80 Million
Buyer: Bus Eireann/Irish Bus
Description/Scope: Building and Civils Works
DPS closure: 04/07/2035
Name of contract: Brother of Charity Services Ireland (Southern Region) €12.4M
Buyer: Brother of Charity Services Ireland
Description/Scope: Routine, Scheduled Property Maintenance as well as responding to emergencies as required. Services include: Electrical Services; Plumbing and Heating repairs (to include boiler maintenance); Carpentry Services; Painting Services; Multi-Trade Services. The services will be provided across the Southern Region of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland GLC (BOCSI). There are contracts available in
South Eastern Region €7.2 Million
Limerick Region €7.83 Million
West Region €10.75 Million
Clare Region €3.1 Million
DPS closure: 25/06/2027
Name of contract: Panel to Provide Motor Vehicle Maintenance
Buyer: Brothers of Charity
Description/Scope: The Brothers of Charity Services Ireland is creating a panel for the provision of motor vehicle maintenance services across a number of regions where services are delivered nationally – valued at €5.8 Million.
Clare Region - €490,000
West Region (Galway & Roscommon) - €2,065,000
Limerick Region - €530,000
Southern Region (Cork) - €1,490,000
South East Region (Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford) - €1,240,000
DPS closure: 09/04/2027
Name of contract: Renal Equipment; Consumables; Satellite Units; Home Therapies.
Buyer: Health Service Executive (HSE)
Description/Scope: Provision of Renal Equipment; Consumables; Satellite Units; Home Therapies – valued at €175 million.
DPS closure: 18/05/2030
Name of contract: Plant Hire
Buyer: Local Government Operational Procurement Centre
Description/Scope: Valued at €275 Million the scope includes:
Lot 1- Plant Hire only (without Operator/PSCS)
Lot 2- Plant Hire with Operator (without PSCS)
Lot 3- Plant Hire with Operator and with PSCS
DPS closure: 29/03/2027
A Missed DPS Is a Missed Opportunity
Joining a DPS doesn’t just mean access to one contract. It puts you in the perfect position to win multiple projects over time from the same buyer group – often with a fraction of the work required for a full tender. A single successful DPS submission can generate revenue for years, and many expand over time to include more and more buyers.
At CB Consultants, we are experts in helping clients:
Identify and qualify relevant DPS opportunities
Prepare high-quality DPS applications
Build a tender strategy around long-term frameworks and systems
We’ve recently helped the following companies….
Nuvo Healthcare Recruitment win places on numerous HSE frameworks for the provision of Nurses, Healthcare Assistants and Allied Health Professionals
Albany Office Supplies secure a place on OGP framework for the Provision of Stationery Supplies
AllDoctors secure a place on HSE framework for the provision of Doctor Recruitment Services
Damian Ryan Contracts secure numerous County Council contracts for the provision of Energy Upgrade Works to Local Housing Stock
New Century Engineering secure framework places with ESB for the provision of Trenching and Ducting Works in the Republic of Ireland]
Read our case studies to see how we've helped our clients in many different sectors.
Our clients say…
“This is game changing for my business”
“This has been my goal ever since I set up my company”.
Read more of our testimonials to see how much our clients value our expertise!
Contact us for support with DPS opportunities
If you need help identifying the right DPS opportunities, preparing compliant tender submissions, and advice on building a tender pipeline through public sector procurement, contact us today.
Call or email Amanda Craven on:
087 7537382
Read more about our services.
“Tendering is a commitment to grow your business and is not always easy, but hearing this feedback makes it all worthwhile!” Amanda Craven | CB Consultants
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