Contract award and challenges

This sub-topic considers matters that a contracting authority conducting a public procurement exercise will need to address once it reaches its decision on contract award, with particular focus on public procurement procedures under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015), SI 2015/102. It also examines some of the issues the parties may encounter after a contract has been awarded, for instance, in the event of a subsequent modification to the contract, or a legal challenge.

Public procurement reform

Review and reform of the domestic public procurement regime, and associated areas of regulation (including health procurement and subsidy control—which replaces State aid), is on the government’s agenda as part of the post-Brexit dividend allowing for development of a bespoke regime for the UK. For more information on proposals, consultations and the status of draft legislation, see Practice Note: Public procurement reform.

Public procurement law

The domestic public procurement regime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland comprises the following sets of regulations:

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the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, SI 2015/102 (PCR 2015) addresses contracts awarded by central government, local authorities and other public sector bodies. The PCR 2015 implemented the EU Public Contracts

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