PPN 011: The Commercial Playbooks · first published 17 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, Construction, and Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT). This updated Procurement Policy Note (PPN 011) does not introduce new policy; it refreshes the existing framework to use the new legal language brought in by the Procurement Act 2023, which applies to any procurement started on or after 24 February 2025. Central government departments, their executive agencies, and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are required to follow the Playbooks. Other public sector bodies (such as councils or NHS trusts) are encouraged but not required to follow them. For small businesses, the Playbooks set out the standards and behaviours your buyer is expected to follow — and what they expect from you — so understanding them gives you an edge when bidding.
WHO THIS APPLIES TO
THE ENKII VIEW
Because the Playbooks define how government buyers are expected to assess, procure and manage contracts, small businesses that read and understand the relevant Playbook for their sector (e.g. Construction or DDaT) will know the decision-making criteria their buyer must apply — a genuine intelligence advantage in a bid. This PPN is a housekeeping update rather than a policy shift, but the switch to Procurement Act 2023 terminology from 24 February 2025 means any procurement started from that date is on the new legal footing, so SMEs should ensure they are referencing the updated Playbooks rather than older versions. The encouragement for wider public sector adoption also means SMEs supplying councils or NHS bodies may increasingly encounter Playbook-style requirements even where they are not formally mandated.
1. Download and read the specific Commercial Playbook for your sector (Sourcing, Consultancy, Construction or DDaT) from GOV.UK — it sets out exactly what your buyer is required to do and what they expect from suppliers.
SMEs bidding for central government contracts in Construction, DDaT, Consultancy or Sourcing/outsourcing — Buyers are obliged to apply the Playbooks' principles, rules and guidelines, so knowing the Playbook means you understand the evaluation lens your bid will be viewed through.
2. Check whether your procurement was 'commenced' before 24 February 2025; if so, the old rules (PPN 06/23) still apply — do not assume the new Procurement Act 2023 terminology or updated Playbook language governs your contract.
SMEs already mid-bid or holding contracts awarded before 24 February 2025 — The Procurement Act 2023 explicitly does not apply to procurements commenced or contracts awarded before 24 February 2025, so applying the wrong framework could cause compliance errors.
3. Be aware that your buyer may voluntarily follow the Commercial Playbooks even though they are not required to — ask your buyer early in the process whether they apply Playbook principles so you can tailor your bid accordingly.
SMEs supplying local authorities, NHS bodies or other public sector organisations outside central government — The PPN explicitly encourages wider public sector organisations to adopt the Playbooks as good practice, meaning their use may be more widespread than the formal mandate suggests.
4. Monitor GOV.UK for updates to the Playbooks, as in-scope buyers are required to apply future content as soon as it is published — changes to Playbooks can affect evaluation criteria or supplier engagement expectations mid-market.
All SMEs bidding for public contracts — The PPN requires in-scope organisations to 'apply any future content that is produced as part of any updates to the Playbooks or their accompanying guidance notes', meaning the rules can evolve without a new PPN.
Every rule below quotes the official document verbatim.
PPN 011 applies to all central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) when awarding public contracts for goods, services or works — excluding special regime contracts. (All in-scope central government organisations, all contract values, all sectors except special regime contracts.)
“This Procurement Policy Note (PPN) applies to all central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies when awarding public contracts for goods and/or services and/or works, other than special regime contracts.”
There are currently four Commercial Playbooks: Sourcing, Consultancy, Construction, and Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT). (All in-scope central government organisations.)
“There are currently four Playbooks: Sourcing, Consultancy, Construction, and Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT).”
The Playbooks are considered good practice and wider public sector organisations are encouraged (but not required) to apply them. (Public sector organisations outside central government (e.g. local authorities, NHS bodies).)
“The Playbooks and their associated guidance are considered good practice and other public sector organisations are encouraged to consider taking the suite of Playbooks into account as part of their commercial activities.”
In-scope organisations must note the provisions of this PPN from 24 February 2025; the Procurement Act 2023 applies to procurements commenced on or after that date. (All in-scope central government organisations, procurements commenced on or after 24 February 2025.)
“In-scope organisations should note the provisions of this PPN from 24 February 2025.”
Procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 or contracts awarded before that date are not governed by the Procurement Act 2023 — those should refer to PPN 06/23 instead. (All in-scope central government organisations, contracts commenced or awarded before 24 February 2025.)
“The Procurement Act 2023 does not apply to procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 or to contracts awarded prior to this date (including via frameworks, dynamic purchasing systems or qualification systems established under the previous legislation).”
This update is a terminology refresh only and does not constitute a change in policy or a new call for action. (All in-scope central government organisations.)
“This update does not constitute a change in policy or a new call for action but in-scope organisations should continue to apply any ongoing obligations set out in the provisions of this PPN.”
In-scope organisations must apply the principles, rules and guidelines in the Playbooks, including any future updates to Playbooks or accompanying guidance notes. (All in-scope central government organisations, from 24 February 2025.)
“In-scope organisations should take action to apply the principles, rules and guidelines set out in the Playbooks and apply any future content that is produced as part of any updates to the Playbooks or their accompanying guidance notes.”
This briefing is enkii's interpretation of the official document — the official text always governs.
Source document © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0 via the GOV.UK Content API. enkii tracks every Procurement Policy Note and briefs changes the day they land — see all briefings.