Introduction

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is committed to working with a diverse and inclusive supplier base, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs). These organisations bring innovation, flexibility, local insight and social impact that strengthen public services.

We actively encourage SMEs and VCSEs to engage with CPS commercial opportunities, both directly and through supply chains led by prime contractors.

Our Approach to Procurement

CPS procurement is conducted in line with government policy and public procurement regulations. Our processes are designed to be fair, transparent and proportionate, enabling organisations of different sizes to compete effectively.

We are committed to widening access to public sector contracts for SMEs and VCSEs, ensuring procurement processes are open and accessible, supporting innovation and sustainability, and delivering social value through our commercial activity.

Supporting Participation and Building Trust

We aim to build trusted and collaborative relationships with our suppliers. CPS monitors the level of business awarded to SMEs and VCSEs, both directly and through supply chains, to understand how inclusive our commercial activity is and where improvements can be made.

Our goal is to help suppliers understand how to engage, what we are looking for, and how to compete effectively.

How to Work with the CPS

If you are an SME or VCSE interested in working with the CPS, we recommend that you monitor upcoming opportunities on public sector procurement platforms, engage in market engagement activity where offered, and explore supply chain opportunities with existing CPS suppliers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Suppliers should ensure they fully address the evaluation criteria, clearly explain how services will be delivered, demonstrate proportionate capacity and resilience, provide concise and relevant information, and submit complete responses before the stated deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of organisations can work with the CPS?

We welcome SMEs and VCSEs from a wide range of sectors. You do not need to be a large organisation, provided you meet the requirements of the opportunity.

How do I find CPS contract opportunities?

Opportunities are advertised through public sector procurement platforms like Jaggaer and Central Digital Platform (Enhanced Find a Tender Service), with full details on scope, requirements and how to bid. Jaggaer, E-tendering portal: CPS eTendering Service.

Will requirements be proportionate for smaller organisations?

Where possible, yes. We aim to ensure requirements such as insurance, financial thresholds and reporting are appropriate to the contract.

Do I need previous public sector experience?

No. Relevant experience is important, but prior public sector experience is not required unless clearly stated and justified in the procurement documents.

How can I prepare a strong bid?

We recommend that you:

• Read all procurement documents carefully
• Address the evaluation criteria clearly
• Provide concise, relevant evidence
• Ask clarification questions where permitted

What is social value?

Social value refers to wider benefits delivered through a contract, such as supporting communities, improving skills and employment, or environmental benefits. It is considered alongside cost and quality.

How are SMEs and VCSEs defined?

SMEs are defined under section 123 of the Procurement Act 2023.  The definition is: 

“small and medium-sized enterprises” means suppliers that—
(a) have fewer than 250 staff, and
(b) have a turnover of an amount less than or equal to £44 million, or a balance sheet total of an amount less than or equal to £38 million;

VCSEs are defined under section 9 of the Procurement Act 2023 as ‘a non-governmental organisation that is value-driven and which principally reinvests its surpluses to further social, environmental or cultural objectives'.