The Procurement Act 2023 - guidance for suppliers and contractors
Updated 24 September 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rfca-supplier-guide/the-procurement-act-2023-guidance-for-suppliers-and-contractors
The Procurement Act achieved Royal Assent in the autumn of 2023.
The legislation aims to:
- create a more flexible commercial system that better meets the country’s needs while remaining compliant with international obligations
- open up public contracts to new entrants such as small/medium business entrants and social enterprises
- take action against under-performing suppliers to include excluding those who pose unacceptable risks
- embed transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle so spending of public monies can be appropriately scrutinised
As a business that may supply goods, services and works to the public sector, you need to be knowledgeable about the changes that came into effect on 24 February 2025 and ensure you are compliant with all requirements: Exclusions Annex 2: National Security Grounds.
Some items to note for doing business with Contracting Authorities such as RFCA:
- The Central Digital Platform is the new Find a Tender Service. The existing Find a Tender Service has been expanded so that suppliers register and store their details in one place which can be used for multiple contract opportunities.
- The Procurement Act 2023 simplifies the bidding process with the public sector.
- Frameworks will be more flexible.
- Contracting Authorities are bound by a duty to have regard to the barriers facing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), and to consider what can be done to overcome them throughout the procurement lifecycle.
The Transforming Public Procurement programme is improving the way public procurement is regulated with the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 and the Procurement Regulations 2024. This is legislation designed to modernise the existing system, ensuring that public funds are utilised more effectively and every pound goes further for our public services.
There is a range of information and resources about the regime available at: Transforming Public Procurement.
Watch the Knowledge drops training videos tailored specifically for suppliers, including SMEs and VCSEs.
Materials and resources will continue to be added to the Transforming Public Procurement page. Suppliers and contractors are encouraged to check the page frequently and engage with Contracting Authorities when appropriate.