Stay Informed on Corporate Sustainability

Author: Archie Villaflores

The national procurement sector is increasingly defined by the integration of social impact, technological innovation, and strategic delivery. This edition highlights how organisations are embedding measurable value into their operations while driving sector-wide progress. First, ‘The NOW Group Wins Best Procurement Social Value Award at National Procurement Awards 2025’ held recently demonstrates how procurement can advance inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement. Its initiatives generate tangible social outcomes while creating benchmarks for operational excellence across multiple regions as the 2026 cycle approaches. Additionally, ‘Stadler to supply new electro-diesel trains for Dublin Belfast service’ illustrates the critical role of procurement in enabling infrastructure and service improvements. Strategic sourcing ensures reliability, efficiency, and long-term impact in large-scale transport initiatives. In the international sphere, ‘Systems Advisory Services secures national procurement contract for Airways server upgrade’ reflects how forward-looking procurement decisions support critical IT infrastructure. Effective supplier collaboration and precise delivery reinforce resilience, innovation, and sector readiness. These stories collectively underscore how strategic procurement balances social value, operational efficiency, and technological advancement. They demonstrate a sector driving measurable impact, shaping infrastructure, and fostering innovation across public and private domains.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The NOW Group was named Best Procurement Social Value Award winner at the recently concluded National Procurement Awards 2025. As attention turns to the 2026 cycle, the achievement sets a clear benchmark for embedding social value into strategic procurement.

Author: ExecutiveBiz

McLean, Virginia-based Integral Federal has been awarded a position on the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s $151 billion (€128.35bn) SHIELD multiple-award contract. The 10-year programme supports defence innovation, AI integration, and systems engineering capabilities.

Author: Reseller News

New Zealand-based hybrid cloud provider Systems Advisory Services has secured a national procurement contract from Airways for a $1.7 million (€1.4m) server upgrade supporting air traffic control systems. The project strengthens critical infrastructure and ICT resilience

Author: Water Magazine

NI Water has completed the second phase of a government-supported solar project across five sites in Northern Ireland. The initiative, funded with c.£3 million, advances national renewable energy targets and infrastructure development.

Author: Irish Examiner

Go-Ahead Ireland has been awarded a national procurement contract by the National Transport Authority for the Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area North and South routes. The contract will create 400 new roles across Dublin and Wicklow.

Author: Railway Gazette International

Stadler has been selected to supply eight electro-diesel trainsets for the Dublin–Belfast Enterprise service, including a 15-year maintenance contract. The procurement highlights ongoing cross-border investment in Ireland’s rail infrastructure and national transport assets.

Author: Archie Villaflores

National procurement is evolving rapidly as public bodies and suppliers navigate shifting expectations, tighter accountability, and a renewed focus on long-term value. This edition brings together insights that illustrate how talent, service expansion, and technological capability are driving the next phase of sector maturity. First, ‘Aisling O’Brien wins Procurement Rising Star of the Year at National Procurement Awards 2025’ just last month highlights the calibre of leadership emerging across the profession. That momentum now frames anticipation for the 2026 awards cycle, where capability-building and strategic foresight are expected to define leading entries. In addition, ‘Go-Ahead Ireland expands bus services under national procurement contract’ reflects how transport contracts are being used to enhance connectivity and service resilience. Its growth under a national framework also underscores the increasing role of competitive tendering in shaping public mobility networks. Meanwhile, ‘MDA Space awarded new contract to support Canadian satellite programme’ demonstrates how national procurement mechanisms underpin complex, high-value technology projects. This development also points to widening collaboration between public agencies and advanced engineering firms as governments pursue greater capability in space-based infrastructure. These stories show a sector deepening its expertise while widening its strategic horizon.

Author: Archie Villaflores

Aisling O’Brien of An Post was recognised as Procurement Rising Star of the Year at the National Procurement Awards 2025 last month. Her achievement signals the level of leadership and innovation set to influence the upcoming 2026 procurement cycle.

Author: The Defense Post

South Korean defence manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace has secured a contract worth 225.4 billion Korean won (€130.7m) to supply Cheongeom missiles for light-armed helicopters. The deal expands domestic missile production and enhances operational flexibility.