Resourcing TPP Comms to Marke

Descriptions

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) relates to Corporate Services – Resourcing. The intention is to share some updates regarding the application of the new Procurement Act in this area. Other such notices may be published by other category teams within Defra, and if your business operates across multiple categories you should review all relevant notices for updates.The Procurement Act 2023 is new legislation that will change the way the public sector buys goods and services. It aims to:• create a simpler and more flexible commercial system• open up public procurement to new entrants• take tougher action on underperforming suppliers• embed transparency throughout the commercial lifecycleThe changes are expected to start on 24 February 2025.The existing legislation will apply until 24 February 2025. After 24 February 2025, it will only apply to procurements and contracts that started before this date, i.e. if the Invitation to Tender (ITT) was published, a voluntary transparency notice was published, or a pricing request was issued.The new features for suppliers include:• a central digital platform• a simplified bidding process• more flexible commercial frameworks• a new duty on contracting authorities to consider barriers facing SMEs and VCSEs• a stronger exclusions frameworkWhat will stay the sameIf you are an existing or potential supplier to Defra and have live contracts, are a member of an existing framework, or are planning to bid for a procurement that has or will start prior to the new regime commencing, that arrangement will continue to be subject to the existing Public Contracting Regulations until the contract ends. The same principle applies to any contracts that are subject to any other associated procurement regulations, such as The Utilities Contracts Regulations.