When the UK was in the European Union (EU), all public procurement was tied into EU rules and regulations.
After Brexit, changes were needed but, with various General Elections, new leaders and parliamentary debate, these changes have taken an age to see reality.
Finally, the Procurement Act 2023 is set to bring changes to the way public sector contracts are awarded in the UK.
Replacing the EU procurement rules that have been in place since before Brexit, the new legislation aims to streamline and modernise procurement processes, making them more transparent, competitive, and accessible for UK businesses.
The process started with a green paper in December 2020 and that has developed into the Public Procurement Act of 2023.
The drivers behind it are:
To produce a simpler, more efficient, modern commercial system
To open up public procurement
Better value for money
Banning those who pose unacceptable risks
Embedding transparency
Fostering innovation
Maximising social value
Activities will be happening with a drive to make things more user-friendly too with:
Greater visibility of procurement pipelines
More flexibility and innovation in procurement procedures
Taking on board supplier feedback
Public sector contract awards will move from the principle of the most economically advantageous tender to the most advantageous tender.
SCLO MD Steve O’Hare is encouraging businesses to prepare for the transition to avoid disruption and take advantage of potential benefits of the new system as soon as it goes live.
Changes
“I urge businesses to be aware of the changes that are coming into play,” said Steve. “Especially those that rely on public sector contracts.
“The implementation of a Central Digital Platform (CDP) with evolve existing process.
"It will be an enhancement of the existing Find a Tender service and will make it easier to find and bid for contracts. The proposed improvements include the ability to share common information, which is currently provided during the supplier selection questionnaire process, through share codes, and greater integration with buyer e-tendering systems.
"Similarly the system will allow for buyers to meet their transparency commitments under the Act. This will be done through the act driving buyers to provide clearer more consistent feedback to bidders, and new requirements such as the publication of key performance indicators.
“The changes brought about by the 2023 Procurement Act should all be largely positive and, if all goes well, should lead to a simpler and more efficient way of working offering better value for money, transparency and social value.
“I encourage organisations to take a proactive step and visit the GOV.UK site https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-short-guides/the-procurement-act-2023-a-short-guide-for-suppliers-html to familiarise themselves with the act, understand the timeline and see what you need to do.
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