Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Scottish Government
5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LU
UK
Contact person: Laura Vivian
Telephone: +44 412425466
E-mail: Laura.Vivian@gov.scot
NUTS: UKM
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.scotland.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA10482
I.2) Joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
ARE – CPD in Tier 4 of Agriculture Reform Programme – RFI
Reference number: CASE/799887
II.1.2) Main CPV code
80420000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
As part of the development of options for a procurement strategy for a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) tool / system for farmers, crofters, land managers and other persons in Tier 4 of the Agriculture Reform, the Scottish Government is seeking views and information from industry and the market place in connection with the areas set out in this Request for Information (RFI).
This RFI is being issued solely for the purposes of market engagement and gathering supplier insight. It does not represent a commitment to proceed to procurement, and any future route to market remains subject to internal approvals and funding. With this in mind an indicative estimated publication date has been entered to meet PCS requirements only.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
72212190
72212931
72263000
72260000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Scottish Government currently does not have a CPD tool / system for farmers, crofters, land managers and others in place to support Scottish agriculture as this is a new policy.
The need for enhanced fit-for-purpose training, education and skills to enable farmers to improve their profitability and to become greener was highlighted by the national discussion on the future of Scottish agriculture in 2015-16.
This request for information notice will help the Scottish Government to further develop its options for its proposed CPD system, including what might be available on the market by way of CPD management systems and / or service provision, and what indicative costs and options may be available.
II.2.14) Additional information
This RFI is being issued solely for the purposes of market engagement and gathering supplier insight. It does not represent a commitment to proceed to procurement, and any future route to market remains subject to internal approvals and funding. With this in mind an indicative estimated publication date has been entered to meet PCS requirements only.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
30/09/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
Suppliers should read the RFI Overview and answer the RFI Questions if they are interested in this opportunity and return responses to Laura.Vivian@gov.scot by the deadline of the 12th February 2026.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=820337.
(SC Ref:820337)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
15/01/2026