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.
Sustainable procurement
We have sustainable procurement policies and guidelines. These include:
- Defra’s sustainable procurement policy statement
- Defra’s ethical procurement policy statement
- Defra’s greening government commitments
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.