Debarment Review Service (DRS)
On behalf of a Minister of the Crown, the Debarment Review Service exercises powers under the Procurement Act 2023.
Overview
The Debarment Review Service (DRS) was established following the passing of the Procurement Act 2023 (the “Act”). The DRS’ purpose is to protect public procurement from suppliers that pose risk, by carrying out an investigatory process for considering suppliers for entry on a centralised debarment list, under the powers of the Procurement Act 2023.
With effect from 1 April 2026, the DRS forms part of the Government Commercial Agency. This page will be updated with new contact details soon.
How debarment works
On behalf of a Minister of the Crown, the Debarment Review Service exercises powers under the Procurement Act 2023 to investigate whether a supplier is excluded or excludable, for the purpose of deciding if they should be added to the debarment list. The debarment regime has been in effect since 24 February 2025.
DRS’ role is to assess referrals, conduct investigations and provide recommendations to the Minister, who makes the ultimate decision following any investigation on whether to add a supplier to the debarment list, in order to minimise supplier-related risk in public procurement. The DRS exercises a discretion as opposed to a duty to investigate; information about the factors which are considered in exercising this discretion is available within the Debarment Protocol linked below.
- DRS manages debarment for all exclusion grounds, except those relating to national security.
- Mandatory and discretionary exclusion
- If a supplier is on the debarment list, then for covered procurements contracting authorities:
- Must exclude them if the exclusion ground is mandatory, with limited exceptions.
- May exclude them if the exclusion ground is discretionary.
- Contracting authorities are mandated to notify DRS of suppliers they have excluded, replaced or removed from a public sector procurement and the applicable exclusion ground(s).
Documents and guidance
Before using the Debarment Review Service (DRS) we encourage you to read:
- - this explains what the service can and cannot do and its ‘Privacy Notice’.
- - how referrals are triaged and how investigations are conducted.
- - this explains the risk criteria and thresholds we use to determine if a referral should be investigated.
- - a list of suppliers currently excluded or excludable from public procurement following investigation.
- Guidance on the Procurement Act 2023 - This is a published suite of guidance documents addressing all aspects of the Procurement Act 2023.
By submitting a referral you acknowledge the scope and remit of the service.
Submit a referral or notification
Refer a supplier for investigation
Use this service to request an investigation into a supplier based on exclusion ground(s) in Schedules 6 and 7 of the Procurement Act 2023 (except on the grounds of national security)
Notify the DRS of an excluded supplier
Contracting Authorities must notify the DRS if they have excluded, replaced or removed a supplier from a public procurement procedure (Procurement Act 2023, section 59 - except where section 59 (1)(b)(ii) applies).
Related Services
National Security Unit for Procurement (NSUP)
The National Security Unit for Procurement (NSUP) handles debarment, exclusion and termination cases involving national security grounds.
NSUP is based within the Cabinet Office and works closely with the Debarment Review Service (DRS).
Go to the National Security Unit for Procurement overview.
Procurement in Devolved Administrations
If your concern relates to a procurement activity under a devolved arrangement, use these services:
Northern Ireland – Construction and Procurement Delivery
Scotland – Single Point of Enquiry
Wales – Wales Procurement Review Unit
Procurement Compliance & Oversight
Procurement Compliance and Oversight (PCO) ensures contracting authorities comply with the Procurement Act 2023, it consists of two services:
The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) – Investigates supplier concerns regarding specific issues with poor public sector procurement practice. These concerns may relate to live procurements, completed procurements, or late payments under the Procurement Act 2023 or the Public Contract Regulations 2015.
The Procurement Compliance Service (PCS) – Anyone can raise a concern regarding non-compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 with the PCS. Generally, the PCS considers potential non-compliance at systemic and institutional levels.
PCS can only investigate procurement activity conducted under the Procurement Act 2023.
Both services cover central and wider public sector contracting authorities (such as NHS, local government and universities).
Complaints Procedure
If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from the Debarment Review Service (such as poor communication or behaviour) please refer to the Government Commercial Agency complaints procedure.