Procurement Act 2023

Information for framework suppliers

The Procurement Act 2023 is now live (as of 24th February 2025) and represents a significant reform to the current procurement rules, aiming to enhance the way public sector organizations procure supplies, services, and works. This new legislation will streamline procurement processes, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible for suppliers. With a focus on driving innovation, sustainability, and value for money, the reforms are designed to reduce complexity and increase flexibility, allowing suppliers to better compete for public sector contracts.

Suppliers involved with NWUPC frameworks can expect a more straightforward process, offering greater opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The Transforming Public Procurement programme aims to improve the way public procurement is regulated in order to:

create a simpler and more flexible, commercial system that better meets our country’s needs while remaining compliant with our international obligations.
open up public procurement to new entrants such as small businesses and social enterprises so that they can compete for and win more public contracts.
embed transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle so that the spending of taxpayers’ money can be properly scrutinised.

FIND A TENDER SERVICE

A new Central Digital Platform – an enhanced version of the Find a Tender service is now live and will be the single place for notices and procurement information. Many contracting authorities have already successfully onboarded and the platform is now open for suppliers to search for and view opportunities. Suppliers only need to register their details at the point of bidding. You can visit the Find a Tender service here.

THE PROCUREMENT BILL

Benefits for Prospective Suppliers to the Public Sector.

Read the full document here.

MAKING SENSE OF THE TERMS & PHRASES

The Procurement Act 2023 introduces several new concepts into procurement law, as well as adopting some new terminology for concepts we are already familiar with. Mills and Reeves have created a useful Procurement Phrasebook to help you make sense of the new language.

NEWS AND INFORMATION AS OF 24TH FEBRUARY 2024

The Transforming Public Procurement landing page on GOV.UK is the repository for a range of information about the programme, including guidance documents to help planning and preparation, and outlining of the benefits of the new regime for suppliers.

GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT

To support preparation for the Procurement Act 2023 the UK Gov are publishing a suite of guidance documents addressing all aspects of the new regime, covering subjects from transitional arrangements and covered procurement through to pre-market engagement, award rules, exclusions and contract modifications. Publishing this guidance in batches, with all documents available by the end of June.

View the guidance page or select from the documents below.

‘Raising standards: our ambition’ outlines the work of the Procurement Review Unit (PRU), and how the new unit will support the Procurement Act 2023.

‘Transforming Public Procurement – Our Transparency Ambition’ which outlines in greater detail our proposals to improve transparency of UK public contracts and spending.

‘Our Innovation Ambition’ sets out how the new regime will enable contracting authorities to embrace innovation more, and procure in more flexible and innovative ways.

‘Benefits for Prospective Suppliers to the Public Sector’ sets out how the new regime will deliver a range of benefits for suppliers of all sizes wishing to do business and deliver contracts for the public sector.

The planning and preparation checklist outlines initial actions in four key areas – policies and processes, systems, people, and transition – where early consideration will help contracting authorities get in the best shape to hit the ground running when the new rules come into force.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

There will be a learning and development programme to support those operating within the new regime, available free at the point of delivery. This will be rolled out to meet the varying needs of stakeholders across the public sector and will be complemented by traditional published and online guidance.

You can find the official Learning & Development Brochure which outlines the comprehensive, centrally-funded learning and development package for contracting authorities being provided by the Cabinet Office. This will help you decide which of the learning and development options are most suitable for you and your team’s needs and what actions you need to take in the coming months to plan your training programme to ensure you don’t miss out on the benefits and flexibilities of the new regime. We encourage you to share with colleagues and teams across your organisation.