Guidance

Procurement Policy Note 03/15: reforms to make public procurement more accessible to SMEs

New reforms will make public contracts more accessible to businesses, and in particular to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• From: Cabinet Office and Crown Commercial Service
• Published: 18 February 2015
• Last updated: 4 March 2015 — See all updates

Documents

Procurement Policy Note – reforms to make public procurement more accessible to SMEs

PDF, 103 KB, 4 pages

Details

This note provides guidance on reforms which include:

• removing a pre-qualification stage for procurements below the EU thresholds
• a requirement for contracting authorities to include provisions to ensure prompt payment through the supply chain
• a requirement to advertise public sector opportunities in one place (Contracts Finder)

These reforms are implemented in Part 4 of the new Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The Regulations will, primarily, come into force on 26 February 2015.

For further guidance for contracting authorities on implementing these reforms, see:

• transparency requirements for publishing on Contracts Finder
• paying invoices in 30 days down the supply chain
• requirements on pre-qualification questionnaires
• Lord Young reform frequently asked questions

Read further guidance on transposing the EU procurement directives.

Published 18 February 2015
Last updated 4 March 2015 + show all updates

1. 4 March 2015

   Added frequently asked questions link.

2. 27 February 2015

   Added related guidance.

3. 18 February 2015

   First published.