Public procurement - our 'top tips' for awarding bodies

Top tips for awarding bodies

Is one of the bidders incumbent?

If so, have you taken sufficient steps to level the playing field for all other bidders?

Have you received lots of requests for clarification of a certain section of the ITT or another tender document?

If so, whilst publishing points of clarification is helpful, this may be an indication that the entire section in question is unclear and that different bidders may reach different interpretations of it.  Consider whether you are better off re-drafting and re-issuing it before bids are submitted as this may save time and money down the line.

What should you do if you realise you need to change the terms of the contract after it has been awarded?

If these changes are ‘material’, it’s likely that you will need to run a fresh tender process.  It can be tricky to identify when a change is material.  A material change is one which alters the essential terms and/or the overall nature of the original contract.  Depending on the circumstances, an example of a material change might be a change in the scope of the contract to include additional goods/services, or a considerable extension to the original contract term.

What happens if you realise during the course of the procurement process that you’ve made a mistake?

It’s important to have clarity on the steps that you are able to take to regularise the position and in respect of the message that should be given to the bidders – we recommend seeking advice on this promptly to minimise the risk of challenge down the line.

Are you aware of the new requirements for awarding bodies to evaluate social values and address climate change issues (e.g. reducing carbon footprints in procurements)?

These issues are high on the Government’s agenda and will be key areas of focus for bidders and awarding bodies alike – for more information, see our Insight on PPN 06/21.

The Green Paper Reforms

Keep an eye on this! Our recent Insight explained that, in October 2021, the Cabinet Office indicated in an update that its thinking had changed in several areas as a result of feedback on the proposals, and that it would publish a summary of the responses received and details of what the Government intended to do in response.  The Government’s response to the consultation was subsequently published in December 2021, and  it’s clear from this response that some of the original proposals in the Green Paper have been further clarified or amended based on the feedback (such as in respect of the scope and application of the Light Touch Regime). Whilst a Bill is unlikely before the second half of 2022, and we don’t expect any new legislation to be passed before 2023, being prepared to implement major change and having sufficient training in place for all staff involved will be key to a smooth transition to the new procedure.