Procurement misfire stalls critical housing scheme

A major Dublin housing programme for the city’s most vulnerable has hit a wall after a key procurement process failed to secure bids. The Housing First initiative—designed to move rough sleepers into stable, supported housing—is now effectively paused, with 250 existing tenancies in limbo and targets for new homes well behind schedule.

Despite strong results in reducing long-term homelessness, the largest tender to manage these homes attracted zero bids, raising serious questions about procurement strategy, supplier engagement, and the viability of social contract delivery. Meanwhile, overstretched staff from multiple charities are scrambling to maintain existing support, as government agencies scramble to patch gaps.

For leaders in procurement, this is a clear warning. If well-regarded public programmes can stall due to poor supplier alignment and resource strain, what safeguards are in place for your own essential contracts?

Read the full story and rethink your procurement strategy.