Transforming Public Procurement - The Procurement Act - Issue 7
Assessment and Award
Criteria for assessment
The Act has introduced a new approach to corporate responsibility and has changed the tender assessment method from the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) to the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT).
This means a Contracting Authority can consider a wider range of factors beyond price, including non-financial criteria - meaning economic, ethical, and social responsibility criteria can be the basis for a decision.
MAT is also designed to remove barriers for SMEs, encouraging small businesses and startups to enter the public procurement market.
In addition, the Act gives authorities more freedom for direct awards in specific situations. This could be used to protect public health, maintain safety, or address urgent needs.
Assessment Summaries
Following the evaluation process, contracting authorities must provide an Assessment Summary to each supplier who submitted a tender.
Ready to Award?
Contract Award Notice: This is a mandatory notice, which must be published when a public body intends to make a contract award (i.e. following conclusion of the procurement but before the contract has been executed), and once the assessment summaries have been sent out.
The key change to note is that under the new act, publishing this notice now triggers the standstill period.
Standstill Period
Under the new Act, the standstill period will be eight working days (previously 10 calendar days) beginning on day of publication of the contract award notice.
Contract Details Notice - This is what is currently referred to as the Contract Award notice and is to be issued at the end of the award process. This is mandatory and must be published within 30 days of the Contract Award Notice (or 120 days in the case of Light Touch Contracts).
This applies to any contract awarded, whether directly without a tender notice, via a framework or through a full tender process. The notice will contain details of the supplier, the contract value, duration and available extension options. In addition, where the contract has a value exceeding £5 million, a copy of the contract must also be published with the notice (commercially sensitive information can be withheld).
What is the easiest way to compliant procurement?
By using the frameworks managed by Dukefield Procurement, you can ensure any procurement you wish to undertake is compliant, as we will navigate the new processes and procedures for you!
You can find out more about our frameworks: on our website
How Dukefield Procurement can help:
Dukefield Procurement’s qualified procurement professionals are on hand to provide free advice, and to support you with any questions you may have as we progress through the new legislation.
We will be publishing a series of easy to understand general guidance notes, backed up with webinars, presentations and learning resources. We can also offer tailor made support services for your institution to assist with both the new Procurement Act and wider procurement concerns.
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