Find and bid for contracts

We buy goods, services and works to deliver services to the people of Orkney, ranging from everyday items like stationery to major construction projects. We also commission services from charities and third sector organisations, particularly in social care and health.

We have a duty to get value for money on everything we buy. This doesn't always mean choosing the cheapest option, we weigh up quality, cost, and environmental, social and economic impact when deciding what to buy and from whom.

We follow public procurement law and our own Contract Standing Orders, which set out how we buy fairly, transparently and in a way that gets value for money for the public.

How we advertise contracts

Most contract opportunities are advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) portal, run by the Scottish Government, or in the local newspaper.

Register as a supplier on Public Contracts Scotland to receive email alerts for tender opportunities relevant to your business.

How the value of a contract affects the process

Under £10,000

Council officers must get value for money and keep records to show how they did this. These purchases aren't usually advertised.

£10,000 to £50,000

We usually ask for at least three written quotations, often through the Quick Quote facility on Public Contracts Scotland.

£50,000 up to the national threshold

We advertise these on Public Contracts Scotland and run an open tender process.

Above the national threshold

Above a certain value, we're legally required to advertise on Find a Tender. These thresholds are reviewed by the Scottish Government every two years.

Supporting local businesses

We want to make it easier for local businesses, including voluntary and social enterprises, to win council contracts. We aim to:

• engage with local businesses through seminars, training and face-to-face meetings
• keep tendering processes as simple as possible, and split large contracts into smaller lots where we can
• offer guidance and support on tendering, sustainability, and health and safety

Our contracts register

Orkney Islands Council

We keep a live register of our current contracts, which you can view on Public Contracts Scotland.

Orkney Islands Harbour Authority

Orkney Islands Harbour Authority also keeps its own live register of current contracts.