Procurement group terminates procurement of £28m framework for development legal services

In a contract award notice earlier this month, PfP said it had appointed ten firms to the four-year framework, which was divided into the following lots:

• England and Wales –
  • Lot 1- Developments General
  • Lot 2- Developments Disputes
• Scotland –
  • Lot 3- Developments General and Disputes

The contract had been due to run until 30 April 2030.

However, the group has now issued a procurement termination notice, saying the contract would not be signed.

It said: “During the standstill period, matters were brought to our attention which led to a review of the procurement procedure. That review identified issues which gave rise to concerns on PfP's part as to the procedure followed. In light of these concerns, PfP has determined that the best course of action is to terminate the procurement.

“A notice to that effect will be published shortly in accordance with s.55 of the Act and regulation 37 of the Procurement Regulations 2024.

“PfP intends to re-procure these services in due course and we hope that this decision will not deter you from participating in that process.”

Craig Ainscow, Head of Procurement at Places for People, told Local Government Lawyer: "PfP has published a Procurement Termination Notice in accordance with our obligations under the Procurement Act 2023. This notice outlines the reasons for the decision and our intention to re-procure the services. We have no further comment to add at this time."