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NEWNHS Mersey · Compliance audit Q2 2026·£85k·Manchester
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NEWTfL · Cybersecurity SOC·£1.2M·London
INVMercia · Series A · ClimateTech·£3M·Birmingham
CORPBarclays · Diverse supplier programme·Invite·Nationwide
NEWCardiff CC · Schools refurbishment·£420k·Wales
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CORPKPMG · Digital procurement partner·£600k·UK
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NEWGovTech Singapore · Public services·SGD 1.1M·Singapore
NEWNHS Mersey · Compliance audit Q2 2026·£85k·Manchester
GRANTInnovate UK · SME R&D·£250k·UK-wide
NEWTfL · Cybersecurity SOC·£1.2M·London
INVMercia · Series A · ClimateTech·£3M·Birmingham
CORPBarclays · Diverse supplier programme·Invite·Nationwide
NEWCardiff CC · Schools refurbishment·£420k·Wales
GRANTHorizon EU · Energy transition·€800k·EU
NEWManchester CC · Social housing fire doors·£240k·Manchester
CORPKPMG · Digital procurement partner·£600k·UK
INVNorthwest Growth · Seed fund·£500k·NW England
NEWFind a Tender · Rail signalling·£3.6M·Frankfurt
NEWGovTech Singapore · Public services·SGD 1.1M·Singapore
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PROCUREMENT POLICY WATCH

The rules buyers score you against — in plain English.

Government publishes the rulebook for how public contracts are judged — Procurement Policy Notes set the weightings, thresholds and gates. enkii reads every one the day it lands and briefs it for small businesses: what changed, who it binds, and what to do about it.

How the rules are moving →

Latest change tracked: 5 August 2026

PPN 026 · 5 August 2026

Social value weightings on central government contracts rise to a minimum 10% (£1m–£5m) or 20% (£5m+), focused on British jobs and skills, for procurements starting from 1 January 2027.

PPN 026 introduces a new Social Value Model for central government procurement, replacing the previous edition. It redefines social value as delivering "good British jobs, skills…

PPN 026: The social value modelRead the briefing →

PPN 022 · 13 July 2026

Central government buyers must now confirm in contract award notices whether UK-produced steel will be used on steel-heavy projects, and must consult UK Steel's Digital Catalogue before all steel procurement decisions.

PPN 022 sets out the rules for how central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) must handle the procurement of steel in public…

PPN 022: Procuring steel in government contrac…Read the briefing →

PPN 025 · 3 July 2026

Central government must now engage specialist 'Sector Leads' before buying in shipbuilding, steel, AI or energy infrastructure — and can use a national security exemption to exclude suppliers where justified.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 025, issued June 2026, directs central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) to treat four sectors —…

PPN 025: Protecting the UK’s national security…Read the briefing →

PPN 024 · 17 June 2026

Central government must now run a formal Public Interest Test — checking whether a service could be delivered in-house — before starting any procurement worth over £1 million (including VAT), from April 2027.

PPN 024 introduces two new requirements for central government departments, their executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) — collectively called 'in-scope…

PPN 024: The Public Interest Test and Insourci…Read the briefing →

PPN 023 · 27 November 2025

The contract value thresholds that trigger full public procurement rules under the Procurement Act 2023 are being updated from 1 January 2026, with the key central government threshold rising to £135,018 and the sub-central threshold to £207,720.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 023) sets new monetary thresholds that determine when a public contract must follow the full rules of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23). The…

PPN 023: 2026 Threshold AmountsRead the briefing →

PPN 009 · 16 October 2025

Central government buyers must actively identify and manage modern slavery risks in supply chains under the Procurement Act 2023, including requiring supply chain information from high-risk suppliers.

PPN 009 requires central government departments, executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), and NHS bodies to identify and manage modern slavery risks in all…

PPN 009: Tackling modern slavery in government…Read the briefing →

PPN 021 · 8 October 2025

Central government buyers must now spot-check that their prime suppliers are paying sub-contractors within 30 days, giving small firms in public supply chains a new enforcement backstop.

The Procurement Act 2023 (Section 73) automatically writes 30-day payment terms into every public sub-contract — meaning if you supply a prime contractor who holds a central…

PPN 021: Payment Spot Checks in Public Sub-Con…Read the briefing →

PPN 006 · 10 July 2025

Suppliers bidding for central government contracts worth over £5 million per year must now submit a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) confirming their commitment to net zero by 2050, as a mandatory condition of participation.

PPN 006 (updated February 2025) requires any supplier bidding for a central government contract worth more than £5 million per year (including VAT) to submit a Carbon Reduction…

PPN 006: Taking account of Carbon Reduction Pl…Read the briefing →

PPN 010 · 28 April 2025

Central government buyers must track and report the origin and quantity of steel in contracts worth £10m+ (or any value where 500+ tonnes of steel is expected), creating a more level playing field for UK steel producers.

PPN 010 updates the government's rules on how central government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) must handle the procurement of steel — whether…

PPN 010: Procuring steel in government contrac…Read the briefing →

PPN 013 · 25 April 2025

Central government must now use one of three standard contract templates for public procurements, with the Short Form Contract expanded in April 2025 to cover non-complex above-threshold deals where proportionate.

PPN 013 tells central government departments, executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies ("in-scope organisations") that they must use one of three Government…

PPN 013: Using standard contractsRead the briefing →

PPN 018 · 24 April 2025

From 1 October 2025, suppliers bidding for central government contracts worth over £5m a year must prove they pay at least 95% of their own invoices within 60 days and all invoices within an average of 45 days.

PPN 018 sets mandatory rules for how central government buyers must assess a supplier's payment practices when awarding major contracts. From 1 October 2025, any supplier bidding…

PPN 018: How to take account of a supplier's …Read the briefing →

PPN 020 · 24 April 2025

Central government contracts involving personal data must now use updated UK GDPR clauses from Annex A of PPN 020, replacing the previous PPN 03/22 standard clauses.

PPN 020 is the UK government's updated guidance on data protection requirements for public contracts. It replaces the previous PPN 03/22 and is published as part of the…

PPN 020: Guidance on data protection legislati…Read the briefing →

PPN 10/23 · 24 April 2025

Central government buyers must now check that bidders for major contracts (£5m+/year) pay 95% of invoices within 60 days and average 55 days — protecting SMEs deep in the supply chain.

PPN 10/23 (Procurement Policy Note 10/23) requires central government departments, their executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) to assess how bidders…

PPN 10/23: Taking account of a bidder’s approa…Read the briefing →

PPN 015 · 24 April 2025

Central government buyers must now check that suppliers on major contracts (£5m+/year) are paying 95% of invoices within 60 days — and can exclude those that can't prove it.

PPN 015 requires central government departments, their executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) to assess how well a supplier pays its own supply chain…

PPN 015: How to take account of a supplier's a…Read the briefing →

PPN 019 · 31 March 2025

This note updates the rules for publishing contract opportunities and awards on Contracts Finder, but only for procurements that were already started under the old Public Contracts Regulations 2015 — not new work under the Procurement Act 2023.

PPN 019 refreshes guidance on when public-sector buyers must post procurement information on Contracts Finder — the free government portal where small businesses find contract…

PPN 019: Requirements to publish on Contracts …Read the briefing →

PPN 002 · 5 March 2025

Social value must account for at least 10% of the total evaluation score on above-threshold central government contracts commenced on or after 1 October 2025, using a new updated model aligned to the Government's missions.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 002) updates the rules for how central government must assess "social value" — the wider social, economic and environmental benefits a supplier…

PPN 002: Taking account of social value in the…Read the briefing →

PPN 017 · 17 February 2025

Central government buyers can now ask suppliers to disclose whether they used AI to write their bids — and may do extra checks if they did — but using AI to bid is not banned.

PPN 017 is an Information Note from the Cabinet Office that gives central government buyers optional questions to ask suppliers about their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) —…

PPN 017: Improving transparency of AI use in p…Read the briefing →

PPN 014 · 17 February 2025

Central government suppliers handling personal data or official IT systems must hold Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification (or prove equivalent controls) before data is passed to them — and renew annually.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 014 updates the long-standing government requirement for suppliers to hold Cyber Essentials (CE) or Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification on…

PPN 014: Cyber essentials schemeRead the briefing →

PPN 012 · 17 February 2025

The Government Security Classifications Policy has been updated and all suppliers on HMG contracts must now apply the revised rules on handling, marking and protecting government information from 24 February 2025.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 012) tells central government buyers and their suppliers about an update to the Government Security Classifications Policy (GSCP) — the rules…

PPN 012: Security Classifications PolicyRead the briefing →

PPN 011 · 17 February 2025

PPN 011 updates the Commercial Playbooks framework to align with the Procurement Act 2023, confirming that central government buyers must apply Sourcing, Consultancy, Construction, and Digital, Data and Technology Playbook principles from 24 February 2025.

The Cabinet Office's Commercial Playbooks are a set of rules and guidelines that shape how central government buys goods and services — covering Sourcing, Consultancy,…

PPN 011: The Commercial PlaybooksRead the briefing →

PPN 008 · 17 February 2025

Central government buyers are encouraged (but not required) to ask suppliers to sign the Armed Forces Covenant — signing is voluntary and carries no procurement penalty or advantage.

PPN 008 (updated February 2025) is an information note — not a new obligation — reminding central government departments to encourage their suppliers to sign the Armed Forces…

PPN 008: Armed Forces CovenantRead the briefing →

PPN 007 · 17 February 2025

Buyers across central government and local authorities must review contracts with Russian or Belarusian suppliers and can exclude such firms from new procurements, updated for the Procurement Act 2023 which applies from 24 February 2025.

PPN 007 (originally August 2022, updated February 2025) tells public-sector buyers to identify any contracts where the prime contractor is a Russian or Belarusian entity and to…

PPN 007: Contracts with Russia and BelarusRead the briefing →

PPN 004 · 17 February 2025

Central government buyers must now apply a structured, tiered Open Book Contract Management framework to scrutinise supplier costs and margins on complex, high-value contracts, updated to align with the Procurement Act 2023.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 004) sets out how central government departments, executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) must apply Open Book Contract…

PPN 004: Open Book Contract ManagementRead the briefing →

PPN 003 · 17 February 2025

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires central government buyers to consider social, economic and environmental wellbeing before procuring services contracts above threshold — updated February 2025 to reflect Procurement Act 2023 terminology.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) explains how the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 applies to central government service contracts. It requires central government…

PPN 003: The Public Services (Social Value) Ac…Read the briefing →

PPN 005 · 17 February 2025

Central government buyers can now reserve below-threshold contracts exclusively for SMEs and/or local suppliers, giving small businesses a direct route into public contracts without competing against large firms.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 005) sets out options that central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) may use when…

PPN 005: Reserving below threshold procurement…Read the briefing →

PPN 016 · 17 February 2025

Cabinet Office has published an optional standard carbon reduction contract schedule that central government buyers can include in contracts to set, monitor, and report on supplier greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 016) introduces a standard carbon reduction contract schedule — a set of optional terms and conditions (T&Cs) that central government buyers can…

PPN 016: Carbon Reduction Contract ScheduleRead the briefing →

PPN 001 · 13 February 2025

Central government departments must now set formal targets for how much they spend directly with SMEs (from April 2025) and VCSEs (from April 2026), and publish results annually — creating measurable, minister-signed commitments to route more public money to small businesses.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 001, February 2025) requires all central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) to set…

PPN 001: SME and VCSE procurement spend target…Read the briefing →

PPN 03/24 · 27 March 2024

The government has updated its standard supplier selection questionnaire, adding new questions on payment practices, steel, and Russian/Belarusian suppliers — all contracting authorities in England (and some in Wales and Northern Ireland) must use it by late June 2024.

PPN 03/24 updates the Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) — the set of standard questions buyers must use when shortlisting suppliers for above-threshold public contracts under…

PPN 03/24: Standard Selection Questionnaire (S…Read the briefing →

PPN 02/24 · 25 March 2024

Central government buyers can now ask suppliers to disclose whether they used AI to write their bid — and may carry out extra due diligence if they did — but using AI to bid is not prohibited.

PPN 02/24 (Procurement Policy Note 02/24) gives central government buyers optional questions to ask suppliers about their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) — both in writing…

PPN 02/24 Improving Transparency of AI use in …Read the briefing →

PPN 02/23 · 25 March 2024

Central government buyers must now screen for modern slavery risk in their supply chains from April 2023, including a new requirement for suppliers to provide supply chain information at selection stage on high-risk procurements.

PPN 02/23 requires central government departments, their agencies, Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), and NHS bodies to actively identify and manage modern slavery risks in…

PPN 02/23: Tackling Modern Slavery in Governme…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/24 · 18 March 2024

Central government buyers can now include a standard Carbon Reduction Schedule in contracts to set, monitor, and reduce suppliers' greenhouse gas emissions — but use is optional and must be proportionate.

PPN (Procurement Policy Note) 01/24 introduces a standard Carbon Reduction Contract Schedule developed by Cabinet Office. Buyers in central government — departments, executive…

PPN 01/24 Carbon Reduction Contract ScheduleRead the briefing →

PPN 12/23 · 19 December 2023

North Macedonia's suppliers must now be treated on equal terms in UK public procurement, and two CPV codes describing disability-related services have been updated to use inclusive language.

PPN 12/23 does two things. First, it confirms that North Macedonia has joined the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), meaning UK…

PPN 12/23: North Macedonia Accession to the Ag…Read the briefing →

PPN 11/23 · 19 December 2023

From 1 January 2024, updated contract value thresholds determine when the full UK public procurement rules kick in — central government supplies/services contracts now trigger at £139,688, while works contracts trigger at £5,372,609 for all bodies.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) sets the new monetary thresholds that decide when a public contract must follow the full set of UK procurement regulations. These thresholds are…

PPN 11/23: New ThresholdsRead the briefing →

PPN 09/23 · 16 October 2023

Central government buyers must require Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification from suppliers handling personal data, ICT systems, or sensitive government information — and must not apply this blanket to all contracts, protecting SMEs from unnecessary burden.

PPN 09/23 updates the rules under which central government departments, their agencies, Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), and NHS bodies must require suppliers to hold Cyber…

PPN 09/23: Updates to the Cyber Essentials Sch…Read the briefing →

PPN 08/23 · 1 August 2023

Central government must now use one of three standard contract templates for bespoke procurement instead of writing their own, making terms more predictable for suppliers.

PPN 08/23 instructs all central government departments, their executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) to use one of three government-published standard…

PPN 08/23: Using Standard ContractsRead the briefing →

PPN 07/23 · 30 June 2023

The Government Security Classifications Policy has been updated and all central-government suppliers must handle official information under new classification rules by June 2024.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 07/23) tells central government buyers to update how they classify and protect information on contracts — and requires them to notify their…

PPN 07/23: Security Classifications PolicyRead the briefing →

PPN 06/23 · 20 June 2023

Central government buyers must now follow four Cabinet Office Commercial Playbooks — covering Sourcing, Consultancy, Construction, and Digital/Data/Technology — to standardise how they assess, procure and manage public services contracts.

PPN 06/23 consolidates and replaces four earlier Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) and confirms that central government departments, their Executive Agencies, and Non-Departmental…

PPN 06/23 The Commercial PlaybooksRead the briefing →

PPN 05/23 · 25 May 2023

New Free Trade Agreement rules mean any public contract of unknown value must now be treated as hitting the full procurement threshold, and sub-central buyers can no longer use simplified notice types as a competition route.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) updates UK public procurement rules to comply with the UK's new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Australia and New Zealand. Three specific…

PPN 05/23: Implementing new Free Trade Agreeme…Read the briefing →

PPN 06/21 · 17 April 2023

Central government contracts worth £5m+ per year now require suppliers to submit a Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) committing to Net Zero by 2050 as a pass/fail gate — no CRP means automatic exclusion.

PPN 06/21 requires suppliers bidding for major central government contracts (valued at £5 million per annum or above, subject to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015) to produce…

Procurement Policy Note 06/21: Taking account …Read the briefing →

PPN 04/23 · 11 April 2023

Central government buyers must report steel origin data on projects worth £10m+ (or using 500+ tonnes), creating a transparency requirement that flows down to suppliers through contract terms.

PPN 04/23 updates the rules on how central government departments and agencies must handle steel procurement, replacing the previous PPN 11/16 from 2016. The core change is a…

PPN 04/23: Procuring Steel in Government Contr…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/17 · 29 March 2023

Central government suppliers must expect their contract prices, performance data and governance arrangements to be published online — commercial confidentiality is the exception, not the rule.

PPN 01/17 updates and replaces PPN 13/15, setting out what central government and its suppliers must do to be transparent about public contracts. The core shift is that disclosure…

Procurement Policy Note 01/17: Update to Trans…Read the briefing →

PPN 03/23 · 9 March 2023

The Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) has been updated and a new PPN (03/23) now replaces the previous PPN 08/16.

PPN 03/23 updates the Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) — the standardised set of questions buyers use to assess whether a supplier is suitable to bid for a public contract.…

PPN 03/23: Standard Selection Questionnaire (S…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/23 · 18 January 2023

Central government must now publish contract opportunities on Contracts Finder from £12,000 (inc VAT), while sub-central bodies and NHS Trusts publish from £30,000 — both thresholds raised by the 2022 Regulations.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) updates the rules on when public bodies must advertise contract opportunities and awards on Contracts Finder, the free government portal where…

PPN 01/23: Requirements to publish on Contract…Read the briefing →

PPN 03/22 · 30 November 2022

Central government has updated its data protection rules for procurement, replacing the old PPN 02/18 guidance to reflect the current UK data protection legal framework.

PPN 03/22 updates and replaces the previous data protection procurement guidance (PPN 02/18) to reflect changes in the UK data protection legal framework. It formally applies to…

PPN 03/22 – Updated guidance on data protectio…Read the briefing →

PPN 02/22 · 20 September 2022

The Consultancy Playbook sets out how central government must plan, procure and manage consultancy engagements — SMEs should understand its standards to align their bids accordingly.

The Consultancy Playbook (Version 1.1), published via Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 02/22 in September 2022, provides guidance to central government buyers on how they should…

Procurement Policy Note 02/22 – The Consultanc…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/22 · 10 August 2022

Public bodies must review and consider terminating contracts with Russian or Belarusian prime contractors, and may exclude such suppliers from new procurements, with immediate effect.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 01/22 instructs public bodies — central government departments, their agencies, local authorities and parish councils in England — to review…

Procurement Policy Note 01/22: contracts with …Read the briefing →

PPN 09/21 · 20 December 2021

PPN 09/21 reconfirms that in-scope organisations must publish procurement information on Contracts Finder, with a specific clarification for NHS Foundation Trusts.

Contracts Finder is the UK government's free portal where public-sector buyers must advertise contract opportunities and awards. PPN 09/21 reminds in-scope organisations (central…

PPN 09/21: Requirements to publish on Contract…Read the briefing →

PPN 10/21 · 6 December 2021

New procurement threshold values are introduced and contract values must now be estimated inclusive of VAT when checking whether a contract crosses a regulatory threshold.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 10/21, published December 2021, does two things: it sets new monetary threshold values under the main UK public procurement regulations (Public…

Procurement Policy Note 10/21 – Thresholds and…Read the briefing →

PPN 04/21 · 9 September 2021

Central-government buyers must tighten how they apply supplier exclusions and manage conflicts of interest in procurement — suppliers who have past legal issues or connections to buyers face closer scrutiny.

PPN 04/21 is a reminder and update for central-government buying teams on two obligations: (1) correctly applying rules that can exclude a supplier from a procurement (e.g. for…

Procurement Policy Note 04/21: Applying Exclus…Read the briefing →

PPN 11/20 · 3 September 2021

Post-Brexit freedoms let contracting authorities reserve and simplify below-threshold contracts to open up public markets to new and smaller suppliers.

PPN 11/20 was published in December 2020 and explains new options available to public-sector buyers following the UK's exit from the EU. Because EU procurement rules no longer…

Procurement Policy Note 11/20: Reserving below…Read the briefing →

PPN 03/21 · 20 May 2021

The Sourcing Playbook (updated) and new Consultancy Playbook set out how central government must approach outsourcing and buying consultancy services, with implications for suppliers on how they should engage with contracting authorities.

PPN 03/21 introduces two guidance documents for central government buyers: an updated Sourcing Playbook (the third annual refresh of the original Outsourcing Playbook) and a…

Procurement Policy Note 03/21: The Sourcing an…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/21 · 4 February 2021

This note reminds public buyers of the legal routes available to procure urgently in an emergency, and warns of the commercial and legal risks of skipping competition.

PPN 01/21 is a reminder note to public-sector buyers — not suppliers — about the procurement options open to them during an emergency, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It…

Procurement Policy Note 01/21: Procurement in …Read the briefing →

PPN 09/20 · 8 December 2020

The Construction Playbook sets out 14 key government policies for how public works projects and programmes should be assessed, procured and delivered, shaping expectations for both buyers and suppliers including the supply chain.

PPN 09/20 introduces the Construction Playbook — a government document containing 14 key policies covering how central government should assess, procure and deliver public works…

Procurement Policy Note 09/20: The Constructio…Read the briefing →

PPN 08/20 · 23 November 2020

PPN 08/20 reminds contracting authorities to use the new 'Find a Tender' service, the UK's replacement for the EU's TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) procurement notice portal after the Brexit transition period.

PPN 08/20 was published in November 2020 to remind contracting authorities (public-sector buyers) about the UK government's new 'Find a Tender' service. This service replaced the…

Procurement Policy Note 08/20 - Introduction o…Read the briefing →

PPN 06/20 · 24 September 2020

Central government must now evaluate social value — community, employment and environmental benefits — as a scored criterion when awarding contracts.

PPN 06/20 introduces the Social Value Model, which requires central government organisations to assess the wider social, economic and environmental benefits a supplier can deliver…

Procurement Policy Note 06/20 – taking account…Read the briefing →

PPN 05/20 · 10 June 2020

The Outsourcing Playbook V2.0 updates the rules and expectations for how central government departments should plan and run outsourcing projects, with implications for how suppliers engage in those processes.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 05/20 introduces version 2.0 of the Outsourcing Playbook — a Cabinet Office guide that sets out how central government departments must approach…

Procurement Policy Note 05/20: The Outsourcing…Read the briefing →

PPN 05/19 · 18 September 2019

Central government buyers must actively identify and manage modern slavery risks in their supply chains, meaning suppliers may face new questions and requirements during procurement and contract management.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 05/19), published in September 2019, requires all central government departments, executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs)…

Procurement Policy Note 05/19: Tackling Modern…Read the briefing →

PPN 03/19 · 20 May 2019

Public contracting authorities must now accept and process electronic invoices from suppliers that meet the new EU-derived technical standard.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/19 explains that the UK government has brought into law the EU Directive on electronic invoicing in public procurement via The Public…

Procurement Policy Note 03/19: The Public Proc…Read the briefing →

PPN 09/15 · 4 February 2019

Central government contracting authorities must cooperate with Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Mystery Shopper (now Public Procurement Review Service) investigations into their procurement practices.

PPN 09/15 sets out statutory requirements for certain contracting authorities (primarily central government bodies) to cooperate with procurement investigations run by the Crown…

Procurement policy note 09/15: assisting with …Read the briefing →

PPN 02/18 · 18 May 2018

Central government departments must update contracts and supplier arrangements to comply with the new UK data protection legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 02/18), published in May 2018, updates and replaces the earlier PPN 03/17. It guides central government buyers on how to handle changes to UK…

Procurement Policy Note 02/18: Changes to Data…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/18 · 10 April 2018

Central government must now publish subcontracting opportunities and report supply chain spend, opening up more visible routes for small businesses to bid as subcontractors from May 2018.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 01/18 requires central government departments, their Executive Agencies, and Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) to take new steps to make their…

Procurement Policy Note 01/18: Supply Chain Vi…Read the briefing →

PPN 11/16 · 18 December 2017

Central government and wider public sector must now consider UK steel producers' social and environmental benefits when procuring steel in major projects, replacing all previous steel procurement guidance.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 11/16, published in December 2016, is a practical guide for public-sector buyers on how to design major projects that involve steel so that UK…

Procurement policy note 11/16: procuring steel…Read the briefing →

GUIDANCE · 8 February 2017

The old Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) is replaced by a new standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) template that all in-scope contracting authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must use above PCR 2015 thresholds.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 8/16), published in September 2016, introduces a revised standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) to replace the previous Pre-Qualification…

Procurement policy note 8/16: Standard Selecti…Read the briefing →

PPN 09/16 · 14 October 2016

Central government buyers must use a balanced scorecard — weighing cost against social and economic factors — for construction, infrastructure and capital investment contracts over £10 million.

PPN 09/16 instructs government buyers to apply a "balanced scorecard" approach when designing procurements for construction, infrastructure, and capital investment contracts…

Procurement Policy Note 09/16: Procuring for G…Read the briefing →

PPN 06/16 · 24 June 2016

Government suppliers are encouraged to support Armed Forces veterans and service families, with this note explaining how that commitment can be demonstrated in procurement.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/16 covers how companies supplying the government can help support Armed Forces veterans and the spouses and partners of serving personnel. The…

Procurement policy note 06/16: Armed Forces Co…Read the briefing →

PPN 09/14 · 26 May 2016

Cyber Essentials certification became mandatory for central government contracts involving personal data or ICT products/services advertised after 1 October 2014.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 09/14 introduces the Cyber Essentials scheme — a government-backed certification that requires organisations to implement basic cyber security…

Procurement Policy Note 09/14: Cyber Essential…Read the briefing →

PPN 05/16 · 24 May 2016

PPN 05/16 sets out how contracting authorities must apply open-book contract management — giving buyers the right to inspect supplier cost data — in a proportionate way based on contract risk and complexity.

Open-book contract management means a buyer has the right to inspect a supplier's underlying cost and financial data during a contract, to verify that the public sector is getting…

Procurement policy note 05/16: Open book contr…Read the briefing →

PPN 03/16 · 29 March 2016

Public bodies must publish annual data showing how quickly they pay suppliers, reinforcing the 30-day payment rule that protects small businesses in the supply chain.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/16 restates a rule from the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015): contracting authorities (public-sector buyers) must publish payment…

Procurement policy note 03/16: publication of …Read the briefing →

PPN 01/16 · 17 February 2016

Central government contracting authorities are reminded that procurement boycotts are banned unless the UK government has formally imposed legal sanctions or embargoes.

Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 01/16, published in February 2016, reminds contracting authorities — the public bodies that run procurement competitions — that they must not use…

Procurement Policy Note 01/16: complying with …Read the briefing →

PPN 12/15 · 30 July 2015

PPN 12/15 updates the Procurement Route Decision Tree to reflect new procedure choices introduced by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) was published in July 2015 to update guidance on how central government buyers choose their procurement procedure — for example, whether to run…

Procurement Policy Note 12/15: Availability of…Read the briefing →

PPN 11/15 · 22 June 2015

Central government departments and their arm's-length bodies (ALBs) must accept unstructured electronic invoices submitted by suppliers on or after 30 June 2015.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 11/15, published in June 2015, introduces a requirement for central government departments and their arm's-length bodies (ALBs) to accept…

Procurement policy note 11/15: unstructured el…Read the briefing →

PPN 03/14 · 15 May 2015

Suppliers bidding for central government contracts over £5 million must self-certify their tax compliance as part of the selection process.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) sets out rules requiring suppliers to self-certify their tax compliance when bidding for central government contracts worth more than £5…

Procurement policy note 03/14: promoting tax c…Read the briefing →

PPN 05/15 · 27 March 2015

Central government departments must now report on how quickly they pay suppliers, reinforcing the existing prompt payment policy.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 05/15), published in March 2015, introduces new reporting requirements on prompt payment for central government departments, their Executive…

Procurement Policy Note 05/15: prompt payment …Read the briefing →

PPN 04/15 · 25 March 2015

From April 2015, central-government buyers must check suppliers' past contract performance before shortlisting them for certain public contracts.

This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 04/15) requires in-scope central-government buyers to consider how suppliers have performed on past contracts as part of assessing their…

Procurement Policy Note 04/15: taking account …Read the briefing →

PPN 03/15 · 4 March 2015

Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ban pre-qualification questionnaires below EU thresholds, require 30-day payment down the supply chain, and make Contracts Finder the single place to advertise public opportunities — all from 26 February 2015.

This 2015 Procurement Policy Note (PPN 03/15) sets out three reforms under Part 4 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which came into force on 26 February 2015. First,…

Procurement Policy Note 03/15: reforms to make…Read the briefing →

PPN 02/15 · 6 February 2015

The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 came into force on 26 February 2015, implementing EU procurement rules and reforms specifically aimed at making public contracts more accessible to small businesses.

The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015) transpose the 2014 EU Public Sector Procurement Directive into UK law and include reforms recommended by Lord Young of Graffham to…

Procurement Policy Note 02/15: Public Contract…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/15 · 19 January 2015

Central government buyers must purchase energy-efficient products, services and buildings under Article 6 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, with this note adding practical guidance to the original PPN 07/14 rules.

PPN 01/15 is a supplementary guidance note for central government buyers on how to comply with Article 6 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU), which requires them to…

Procurement Policy Note 01/15: implementing En…Read the briefing →

PPN 11/14 · 12 December 2014

Government buyers can provide references for suppliers — particularly valuable for small firms using public-sector contracts to win future work.

PPN 11/14, published in December 2014, clarifies how commercial staff in contracting authorities (government buying organisations) are allowed to provide references for their…

Procurement Policy Note 11/14: references and …Read the briefing →

PPN 10/14 · 13 November 2014

Central government must use a 'balanced scorecard' method and revised buying standards when procuring food and catering, explicitly to open supply chains to SMEs and new suppliers.

PPN 10/14 sets out the government's plan for how central departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) must buy food and catering services. It…

Procurement Policy Note 10/14: the plan for pu…Read the briefing →

PPN 01/13 · 28 January 2013

This note reminds central government departments of their legal duty to consider equality obligations when running procurement activities.

PPN 01/13, published in January 2013, reminds central government departments of their legal obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) when conducting procurement.…

Procurement policy note 01/13: public sector e…Read the briefing →

PPN 10/12 · 20 December 2012

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires buyers to consider how public service contracts can improve economic, social and environmental wellbeing before procurement begins.

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 introduced a legal duty for public bodies to consider social value — economic, social and environmental wellbeing — when commissioning…

Procurement policy note 10/12: The Public Serv…Read the briefing →

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