Talking Tenders with the Scottish Government: Centres of Expertise

Join this Talking Tenders to find out more about the Scottish Government’s upcoming Centres of Expertise contract opportunity.

Through our Talking Tender webinar series, suppliers hear directly from the buyer about upcoming opportunities, along with practical tips to help them compete successfully. 

About the opportunity 

Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services supports a small number of Centres of Expertise in key priority areas. These centres bring together leading experts from a range of organisations, including international research partners, adapting this knowledge for use in Scotland.

They act as ‘virtual centres’, making it easier for the Scottish Government and its public bodies to access the right expertise from across Scotland and the wider UK. This helps improve collaboration, reduce duplication, and encourage innovative thinking to support policy development.

Each centre coordinates research, analysis, and interpretation within its subject area. This leads to stronger, more joined‑up activity and the development of high-quality, world‑leading, interdisciplinary evidence that is directly relevant to Scotland.

The centres also have clear communication processes in place to ensure knowledge is shared effectively. This supports better understanding, improved outcomes, and stronger networks between all relevant stakeholders.

The Centres of Expertise Programme is valued at £35,000,000 and the service spans across 4 lots;

• Centre of Expertise for Climate Change
• Centre of Expertise for Animal Disease
• Centre of Expertise for Nature, Flooding and Environment
• Centre of Expertise for Plant Health.

The last procurement was undertaken in 2021/2022 and is now due to expire which is why we are seeking this procurement re-let. This is an great opportunity to engage with the Higher Education Sector and Research Institutes to encourage more interest, collaboration and discussion regarding the service. This service will be of interest to universities and research organisations.

The timeline is currently being drafted but we estimate that this will be procured this summer and awarded by December 2026.

Who should attend 

Any Higher Education Institutes and research bodies who can deliver expertise in the aforementioned centres.

What the webinar will cover 

• Overview of the buyer’s requirements and contract background 
• Procurement process and anticipated timelines 
• Support available to bidders through the Supplier Development Programme 
• Opportunity to gain early insight ahead of tender publication 

Speakers 

• Sarah Galloway (Senior Portfolio Specialist)
• Kerry Gubbins (Portfolio Officer)
• Graeme Beale (Analytical Unit Head)
• Joanne Young (Programme Manager)

How to prepare for this event  

You can attend the webinar from the comfort of your own desk, the joining instructions and Cisco WebEx link are contained within the confirmation email received at time of booking, and also within the reminder emails. To prepare, you can access SDP’s top tips on how to join a webinar, or alternatively please email info@sdpscotland.co.uk if you have any further questions about the joining process. 

Please feel free to join the webinar before the start time.