Procurement in a Nutshell – National Procurement Policy Statement (PPN 05/21)
21st July, 2021
This Procurement Policy Note requires contracting authorities to familiarise themselves with the contents of the National Procurement Policy Statement and to take appropriate steps in preparation for the policy outcomes of the statement when they become law.
Key objectives for procurement processes will, so far as they are relevant and proportionate, be
- creating new businesses, skills and new jobs;
- tackling climate change and reducing waste; and
- improving supplier diversity
All contracting authorities are encouraged to consider whether they have the right processes, policies and structure in place to deliver and effectively manage the key issues identified in the Statement.
Contracting authorities should also consider whether they have the appropriate capacity and capability with regard to the procurement skills and resources required to provide a service that is value for money.
What to expect
Although this Policy Note sets out what the Government is expecting of contracting authorities, the Government intends to bring forward legislation when time allows which will ensure that:
- all contracting authorities are required to have regard to the National Procurement Policy Statement when undertaking procurements;
- contracting authorities with an annual spend of £200m or more are required from April 2022 to publish procurement pipelines and to benchmark their procurement capability;
- contracting authorities with an annual spend of £100m or more are required from April 2023 to publish procurement pipelines and to benchmark their procurement capability.
If you have any queries on the issues raised or on any aspect of procurement, please contact us via our procurement hotline on 0330 137 3451.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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