Procurement at RPA

How we use external suppliers for goods and services.

Suppliers can look for current opportunities to work with the Rural Payments Agency and Defra on our eSourcing Portal. The system is free.

Find government contract opportunities, view contract awards and contract documents on Contracts Finder.

Changes to procurement at RPA

The Procurement Act 2023 is new legislation that will change the way the public sector buys goods and services. It aims to:

  • create a simpler and more flexible commercial system
  • open up public procurement to new entrants
  • take tougher action on underperforming suppliers
  • embed transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle

The changes are expected to start on 24 February 2025. They were originally planned to start in October 2024.

The existing legislation will apply until 24 February 2025. After 24 February 2025, it will only apply to procurements and contracts that started before this date. Read our procurement at Defra pages for further information.

Sustainable procurement

We have sustainable procurement policies and guidelines. These include:

Suppliers should consider social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability with reference to the standards when contacting us about procurement.

Supporting small businesses

RPA encourages procurement opportunities from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We also encourage large organisations that have won contracts with us to advertise related business opportunities to SMEs and voluntary and community services organisations, as a means of helping to increase the range and diversity of their supply chains. An online course, Winning the Contract, is available to help suppliers identify opportunities to supply the public sector with hints and tips on the bidding process.

Payment

We pay for some lower value goods, services and works with the Government Procurement Card and encourage our suppliers to accept this form of payment. We aim to pay all valid invoices within 5 days of receipt, to meet Cabinet Office prompt payment initiative. We apply this policy to all suppliers of goods, services and works.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

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