The Palace of Westminster is more than a political landmark; it’s a living repository of over 10,000 heritage items, from historic furniture and paintings to sculpture and works on paper. These items not only tell the story of Parliament but also support the daily functions of the Houses and their staff. As we move forward with the monumental task of restoring the Palace, there is a need for specialists who can help conserve these treasures.  

To facilitate this, the UK Parliament and the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Delivery Authority are launching the Collections Conservation Dynamic Purchasing System (CCDPS). This procurement mechanism aims to streamline procurement processes, making it easier for small businesses, sole traders, and micro-companies in the heritage conservation sector to bid for high-profile contracts, including those related to the day-to-day care of Parliament’s heritage collections as well as significant projects like the Restoration & Renewal of the Palace of Westminster.  

Why the Collections Conservation DPS is Exciting

Shaped by heritage professionals like Emma Coburn, Parliament’s Heritage Lead for Programmes, Resourcing and Risk, and Aimée Sims, the Heritage and Collections Conservation Manager for the R&R Delivery Authority, the CCDPS is a system that will help overcome the unique challenges faced by heritage specialists when bidding for work. Emma emphasises the importance of maintaining high standards of service delivery to both Houses while navigating the complexities of procurement and sector demand, ensuring that Parliament's conservation needs are met both day-to-day and in the long term. Meanwhile, Aimée highlights how difficult it can be for smaller businesses to access procurement opportunities and how vital their expertise is in preserving an internationally significant site like the Palace of Westminster.

The Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an enormous structure encompassing 34 acres, 1,100 rooms, and hundreds of miles of pipes and cables, many of which are over 50 years old and have reached the end of their lifespan. In preparation for the building works, the majority of heritage collections will need to be decanted or protected in situ, requiring extensive condition surveys and conservation stabilisation programmes. Contracts will be offered over the next four years to cover both daily collections care and conservation needs, and larger R&R-programme-based projects.

How the DPS Works

Unlike traditional procurement routes, which can be closed off after a fixed period, the CCDPS remains open to new suppliers throughout its lifetime. This ensures that skilled professionals can continuously join the pre-qualified pool of suppliers. Once they’ve successfully completed the initial application process and been accepted on the system, they will be automatically alerted to any new contract opportunities, reducing barriers to future contracts and making it easier to engage in the work needed to preserve the Palace’s historic collections.

Feedback will be provided to all who apply, fostering an open and transparent process. Additionally, an online market engagement event will be held on 20th November to guide potential suppliers through the system, ensuring they are fully equipped to bid for work.

Building a Lasting Legacy for Heritage Skills

The CCDPS is more than just a procurement tool; it represents a significant investment in the future of the heritage conservation sector. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting the heritage industry, ensuring that vital skills are not only maintained but developed for future generations

As Aimée notes, the work ahead is critical not just for the Palace of Westminster but for the heritage conservation field as a whole. With this new system in place, we’re creating a legacy that will support both the restoration of one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks and the growth of a strong, skilled heritage sector.

Get Involved

If you are a sole trader, micro-company, or small business specialising in heritage conservation, the CCDPS offers you an opportunity to be a part of one of the most important restoration projects in the UK as well as day-to-day care of a unique and internationally significant collection. The CCDPS will be open for initial applications from this month November until 10th January after which the CCDPS will go live in February 2025.  Once on the system, successful applicants will be eligible to bid for work with both Parliament and the R&R Programme. The system will continue to be open to new joiners and previously unsuccessful applicants throughout its lifetime, unlike traditional procurement systems which are not accessible to new entrants after a set period. Feedback on applications will be provided to all who apply. 

To learn more and register for the market engagement event on 20th November, click here.