The Social Program Management (SPM) Framework Agreement Prior Information Notice represents a significant upcoming opportunity for IT suppliers with expertise in enterprise platform development. With Social Security Scotland seeking to establish a new development framework for their Curam Social Program Management (SPM) business and technology platform, this advance notice is essential reading for providers keen to secure their place in a high-value digital transformation programme.
If you are considering engaging with this SPM framework, contact Thornton & Lowe today for a tailored review to quickly determine whether bidding would be worthwhile for your business.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out for Digital and IT Suppliers
This Prior Information Notice (PIN) signals the start of a competitive procurement for a framework agreement valued at approximately £40 million over four years. Social Security Scotland aims to select specialist IT providers capable of supporting and developing their IBM Curam SPM platform, a system that underpins the delivery of vital public services for citizens across Scotland.
The framework is structured across two lots:
- Lot 1: SPM Projects: focusing on small, medium, and large-scale projects where the supplier takes end-to-end delivery responsibility.
- Lot 2: SPM Resources: focusing on the provision of individual or team resources deployed within Social Security Scotland's delivery teams.
This lot structure is significant. Lot 1 will suit suppliers who can manage complete delivery cycles and hold accountability for outcomes, while Lot 2 targets organisations with deep specialist bench strength to augment in-house teams. Both routes offer genuine long-term engagement with a national public body at the centre of Scotland's social security infrastructure. Thornton & Lowe has experience supporting technology suppliers bidding for public sector digital framework agreements; our bid writing expertise includes navigating the specific requirements of government IT frameworks.
Bidding Considerations and Preparation Steps
Before the contract notice is formally published, prospective bidders should:
- Monitor the official Find a Tender notice (reference 035705-2026) and the Public Contracts Scotland portal for updates.
- Review Social Security Scotland's digital strategy and the existing Curam SPM infrastructure, understanding their priorities for platform stability, scalability, and citizen outcomes.
- Evaluate your organisation's capacity for delivery over a four-year term, considering resource planning for both lots.
- Consider whether to position for Lot 1, Lot 2, or both, and begin assembling relevant case studies accordingly.
Quick Facts
- Authority: Social Security Scotland
- Value: £40 million (estimated)
- Term: 4 years
- Lots: Lot 1 – SPM Projects; Lot 2 – SPM Resources
- Scope: Development services for IBM Curam Social Program Management platform
- Stage: Prior Information Notice; formal tender expected May 2026
Key Dates
- Estimated contract notice publication: 26 May 2026
How to Shape a Competitive Approach
- Stay proactive: Use this window to align your technical and commercial offer with Social Security Scotland's evolving digital objectives before the full tender is published.
- Leverage the framework model: Framework agreements often reward specialisation and partnership. Prepare to articulate your value clearly for the specific lot(s) you target, whether as a lead supplier or consortium partner.
- Highlight relevant Curam experience: Build your case around completed projects of comparable scale or complexity, especially if you have direct IBM Curam SPM or government platform expertise. Generic IT credentials will not differentiate your bid.
- Register early: The tender will be hosted on the Public Contracts Scotland portal. Ensure you are registered to receive notifications as soon as the full notice goes live.
For UK IT companies aiming to secure substantial, long-term public sector work in Scotland, this SPM framework is not to be missed. For expert assessment on your readiness, get in touch with Thornton & Lowe today.
