Grant fund manager dynamic purchasing system framework
Framework Description
The Grant Fund Manager DPS is a Scottish Government dynamic purchasing system for organisations that administer and distribute grant funds on behalf of central government. It covers the grant cycle from managing applications and awarding funding to payments, monitoring and reporting. It runs until 8 January 2027, and suppliers can apply to join while it remains open.
Context & Use Case
Scottish central government bodies use it when they need an external fund manager to run a grant programme on their behalf. For each fund, the buyer runs a competition among admitted suppliers and chooses the most suitable and cost-effective manager for that programme, with the DPS guiding them through the selection.
Scope of Services
Administration and distribution of grant funds Application stage management and core funding awards Monitoring of awards and capacity building Payments to grant recipients Secure handling of fund information Management information for the Scottish Government
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Third sector intermediaries and consultancies with grant administration experience suit this DPS. It is open to new applications but closes on 8 January 2027, so organisations should apply now if they want to compete for funds before then. All admitted suppliers have confirmed they pay at least the real Living Wage.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can choose a fund manager suited to each programme rather than relying on one fixed contractor. Suppliers are expected to keep in regular contact with grant recipients and suggest improvements to future grant conditions, which helps the Scottish Government get better outcomes from each funding round.
Next Steps
Read the buyer's guide on the Scottish Government DPS page and check the selection criteria, then apply quickly, as the DPS ends on 8 January 2027. Prepare evidence of grant programmes you have run, your controls over payments and data, staff training and the management information you provide, and ask the DPS contact about plans after January 2027.
How Athena Can Help
Time is short on this DPS, so a clean first application matters. Athena's DPS application writing answers the selection questions and prepares supporting policies, then checks the submission for compliance so it is not delayed by clarification requests.
When a fund competition follows, our bid writing for grant managers sets out your controls and outcomes clearly, and our tender planning support helps you prepare for whatever replaces the DPS after January 2027.
