NWUPC

Today (Monday the 24th of February) marks a significant milestone in public procurement as the Procurement Act 2023 comes into effect! To support our Members and Suppliers through this transition, we’ve compiled some key information below to help navigate the changes. You can find the full UK Government page for Transforming Public Procurement including news, information, guidance and support here.

Contracting Authority Onboarding

Over 1,000 contracting authorities across the public sector have now onboarded onto the new central digital platform. For suppliers, onboarding will begin from 24 February. Registration is required only when suppliers are ready to bid on contracts.

Updated Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs)

To align with the new Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, several Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) have been updated. These updates do not introduce new policies or actions but ensure consistency with the new terminology.

The following PPNs have been updated:

• 003 – Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012
• 004 – Open Book Contract Management
• 005 – Reserving below-threshold procurements
• 006 – Carbon Reduction Plans in major government contracts
• 007 – Contracts with suppliers from Russia and Belarus
• 008 – Armed Forces Covenant
• 009 – Tackling Modern Slavery in Government Supply Chains
• 010 – Procuring Steel in Government Contracts
• 011 – The Commercial Playbooks
• 012 – Security Classifications Policy
• 013 – Using Standard Contracts
• 014 – Cyber Essentials Scheme
• 016 – Carbon Reduction Contract Schedule
• 017 – Improving Transparency of AI Use in Procurement

The updated PPNs are available on the Procurement Policy Notes section of GOV.UK.

Opportunities to Learn More

For further information, the Transforming Public Procurement landing page on GOV.UK hosts a range of resources, including webinar recordings, learning and development materials, and guidance documents outlining the benefits of the new regime for suppliers.

Stay Connected

The Procurement Act 2023 marks a significant transformation in public procurement, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. As we approach go-live, NWUPC members are encouraged to review the latest guidance and ensure they are prepared for the transition. If you have any questions or enquiries you can always contact us at procuremement@nwupc.ac.uk.

Information for framework suppliers

Suppliers involved with NWUPC frameworks can expect a more straightforward process, offering greater opportunities for collaboration and growth. You can find a page with further information for framework suppliers here. Onboarding for new suppliers will commence from 24th February 2025. Registration is only required once a supplier is ready to bid.