Crown Commercial Service issues policy note on procurement reforms and SMEs
- Details
The Crown Commercial Service has issued a Procurement Policy Note (PPN) on reforms designed to make public procurement more accessible to businesses and SMEs in particular.
The reforms are being implemented through Part 4 of the new Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which will, primarily, come into force next week (26 February).
The PPN, which can be viewed here, sets out and explains the background to the key reforms, which are:
- Abolition of a pre-qualification stage for procurements below the EU thresholds, and a requirement to have regard to guidance on qualitative selection issued by Cabinet Office for above EU threshold procurements.
- A requirement for contracting authorities to insert provisions in all public contracts to ensure prompt payment through the supply chain.
- The requirement to advertise as many public sector opportunities in one place (Contracts Finder), and to publish award notices for contracts and call-offs from framework agreements.
The Crown Commercial Service stresses that the PPN sets out the main features of the legislation but is neither a complete guide nor legal advice. “You should refer to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, and seek legal advice where necessary,” it said.
Related Articles
Must read
Practical impact of the Procurement Act 2023 – the challenges, the benefits and the legal lacunas
In the second of three articles for Local Government Lawyer on the Procurement Act 2023 one year after it went live, Katherine Calder and Victoria Fletcher from DAC Beachcroft consider some of its practical impact and implications, including how to choose the right regime, how authorities are tackling the notice requirements, considerations when making modifications, and setting and monitoring…
The Procurement Act 2023: One Year On - How procurement processes are evolving
In co-ordination with its client webinar on 19 March 2026, DAC Beachcroft will share with Local Government Lawyer readers a series of articles reflecting on the first operational year of the Procurement Act 2023. The firm will take an honest look at what has changed in procurement practice, what challenges are being considered and what is working well.
Automatic suspensions under the Procurement Act 2023: the first case
The test for lifting the automatic suspension under Section 102 of the Procurement Act 2023 (“PA23”) has been considered by the Courts for the first time, resulting in confirmation that the new test is significantly different to the American Cyanamid test and the suspension being maintained pending trial. Ed Williams looks at why.
Procurement Act 2023 – One Year On - When it starts to get contentious
In the third and final article of this series, Jo Dumphy and Katherine Calder from DAC Beachcroft consider some of the challenges facing suppliers and contracting authorities in bringing and defending potential claims following the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, and highlight the practical considerations when authorities come across them.
Sponsored articles
Unlocking legal talent
Jonathan Bourne of Damar Training sets out why in-house council teams and law firms should embrace apprenticeships.
Walker Morris supports Tower Hamlets Council in first known Remediation Contribution Order application issued by local authority
Walker Morris has supported Tower Hamlets London Borough Council (LBTH) in issuing what is believed to be one of the first Remediation…
Jobs
Solicitor - Planning and Highways
£50,269 - £53,460 per annum
Solicitor/Lawyer - Planning
£44,075 plus market supplement of £8,223
Senior Lawyer - Commercial & General
£42,839 - £46,142 per annum
Lawyer (Contract, Procurement & Licensing)
£48,226 – £51,356 per annum
Senior Solicitor - Planning & Highways
£48,226 plus market supplement of £10,445
Locums
Poll
Events
Directory
