The United Kingdom has recently announced major changes to its public contract regulations with the introduction of the Procurement Bill in Parliament. This Bill seeks to reform the existing procurement rules and open up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises. The Bill seeks to create a simpler and more flexible commercial system that better meets the country’s needs while remaining compliant with international obligations.
The changes introduced by the Procurement Bill will have a major impact on the way the public sector procures supplies, services, and works. The key changes introduced by the Bill include the introduction of a new procurement regime, the introduction of a new framework for the selection of suppliers, and the introduction of a new framework for the evaluation of tenders. The Bill also seeks to streamline the procurement process and reduce the administrative burden on suppliers and contracting authorities.
The Bill proposes to introduce a simplified set of procurement rules, which will reduce the administrative burden and complexity of the existing procurement rules. It also proposes to introduce new transparency requirements so that the spending of taxpayers’ money can be properly scrutinised. Furthermore, the new rules will open up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises, allowing them to compete for and win more public contracts.
The new procurement regime will also require contracting authorities to adhere to a set of procurement principles, which include transparency, fairness, non-discrimination, and value for money. Furthermore, the new regime will also require contracting authorities to carry out market and social value assessments, as well as to consider the potential for innovation in their procurement processes.
To ensure compliance with the new rules, a comprehensive learning and development programme will be launched to support those operating within the new regime. This will be available free at the point of delivery and will comprise knowledge drops, self-guided e-learning modules, deep dive webinars, and communities of practice.
In addition to the changes to the current regulations, the Bill also proposes to introduce remedies for breaches of the procurement rules. This includes remedies such as the suspension of the procurement process, the imposition of fines, and the award of damages. Furthermore, the Bill also provides for an appeals process for those affected by procurement decisions.
Overall, the changes proposed by the Procurement Bill will undoubtedly have a major impact on the UK public procurement sector. The new rules will not only simplify the procurement process, but also open up public procurement to new entrants, create greater transparency, and provide remedies for those affected by procurement decisions.