For Irish businesses, selling to government can create valuable opportunities—but understanding public procurement is essential. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) is expanding its 2026 support programme to help micro and small-to-medium enterprises compete for public sector contracts.
The latest updates on gov.ie include free webinars, regional breakfast briefings and practical resources covering eTenders, consortium bids, green procurement and social considerations.
Sell to Government through OGP’s SME programme
The OGP works with public bodies to source goods, services and works across Ireland. Public procurement ranges from routine supplies to major infrastructure projects, with opportunities available across sectors including Health, Education, Defence, Local Government and enterprise services.
Government purchasing is supported by central purchasing bodies such as the OGP, the Education Procurement Service, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Local Government Operational Procurement Centre and the Department of Defence. This centralised approach allows public organisations to access established arrangements while giving suppliers a route into government markets.
Free webinar scheduled for 15 October 2026
The third and final OGP SME webinar of 2026 will take place on Thursday, 15 October, from 11:30am to 1pm. Registration is required, and participants will receive a confirmation email containing the meeting link and calendar option.
The agenda will cover:
- An OGP policy update
- A panel discussion on green and social considerations
- An eTenders update
The 2026 series is designed to provide practical guidance on how public bodies buy goods and services and how smaller firms can prepare stronger tender submissions.
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Sell to Government at Mullingar SME briefing
OGP will also host a free in-person SME Breakfast Briefing at the Mullingar Park Hotel in County Westmeath on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, from 8:30am to 10:30am. Minister Frank Feighan is scheduled to open the event.
The briefing will connect SMEs with public sector buyers, enterprise support organisations and procurement professionals. Attendees can learn about tendering procedures, available supports, future procurement plans and potential contract opportunities.
Businesses can expect opportunities to:
- Meet public sector buyers from the North West region
- Network with suppliers and business representatives
- Learn about procurement supports
- Understand how to participate in public tenders
Advance registration is required because places are limited. Businesses not already on the supplier mailing list can contact the Government Supply Expo team at Government.SupplyExpo@ogp.gov.ie.
Lessons from previous OGP events
Earlier 2026 sessions addressed SME tendering strategies, eTenders demonstrations, joint bids and consortium formation. Contributors included representatives from the Department of Social Protection, InterTradeIreland, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the National Enterprise Hub and the Technological University of the Shannon.
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How Irish SMEs can prepare
Companies seeking to sell to government should monitor eTenders, understand the requirements in each notice and ensure that their documentation is accurate and complete. Smaller firms may also consider partnerships or consortium bids where a contract requires capabilities beyond those of a single supplier.
Relevant support may be available through InterTradeIreland, Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and the National Enterprise Hub. Suppliers should also review OGP guidance on procurement categories, tendering processes and resources for new government contractors.
Key takeaway for suppliers
The OGP’s 2026 programme gives Irish SMEs a practical route to learn how public procurement works and how to identify suitable opportunities. For businesses ready to sell to government, attending the October webinar, joining a regional briefing and regularly checking eTenders could be important steps towards competing for public contracts.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
