Stay Informed on Corporate Sustainability

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.

Author: Via Satellite

Canadian aerospace firm MDA Space has secured a C$44.7 million (€27.2m) contract from the Canadian Space Agency to supply critical satellite components. The deal supports RADARSAT Constellation Mission replenishment and future space-based observation capabilities.

Author: ShareCast

UK-based technology company 1Spatial has secured a £4.2m national procurement contract with Ordnance Survey to support the National Underground Asset Register across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The project aims to modernise underground infrastructure management.

Author: IRJ

UK-based engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald has been appointed to lead Ireland’s Connect national procurement project, upgrading and electrifying key inter-city rail lines. The initiative focuses on Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Limerick routes, improving capacity, speed, and sustainability.

Author: National Transport Authority

Go-Ahead Ireland has secured a five-year national procurement contract to operate and expand bus services in Dublin. The deal adds 17.5 million kilometres annually under the BusConnects Network Redesign, improving connectivity and service efficiency.

Author: Archie Villaflores

The procurement sector is adjusting to a period of heightened scrutiny and strategic demand. Organisations are reassessing how their decisions influence long-term resilience, public value and commercial performance. First, ‘Iarnród Éireann Named Sustainable Procurement Team of the Year at National Procurement Awards 2025’ last November reflects the rising emphasis on measurable sustainability outcomes. Their approach now forms part of the baseline against which entrants will be evaluated as the 2026 awards cycle takes shape. Meanwhile, ‘ESB and Ørsted secure 900 MW Irish offshore wind contract’ highlights the growing weight of strategic energy projects within national procurement frameworks. The scale of the agreement shows how energy security and decarbonisation goals are reshaping the role of procurement in supporting system-wide transformation. In addition, ‘Enabled Intelligence awarded $708 million NGA contract for AI data labelling’ demonstrates how emerging technologies are redrawing the boundaries of capability and oversight. The volume of the contract and the nature of the work show how data assurance has moved to the centre of operational planning. Each story points to an environment defined by higher expectations, more complex delivery demands and a sharpened focus on accountability.

Author: Archie Villaflores

Iarnród Éireann was named Sustainable Procurement Team of the Year at the recently-concluded National Procurement Awards 2025. Their achievement now helps define the direction of the 2026 awards cycle.

Author: Philstar.com

Madrid-based Acciona Energía has won a 20-year government power supply contract in the Philippines. The deal covers a 101-MW wind farm and 180-MW solar project, reinforcing national renewable energy procurement and long-term capacity planning.