Procurement

For public bodies, utilities and institutions that are subject to procurement regulations, getting it wrong can have far-reaching consequences for suppliers and contracting authorities alike.

For suppliers, it can mean the difference between winning and losing a contract, incurring losses and wasted bid costs, and even having to re-run for tenders, opening it up to your competitors. For contracting authorities, not following proper processes can lead to contracts being annulled, claims for damages and even financial penalties. Above all else, falling short of the requirements can have a direct impact on costs and time.

Our team supports both buyers and sellers on the full range of procurement needs, right from advising on the initial tender process and procurement strategy, through to drafting tender documents and supporting on any disputes that may arise. If things take a turn for the worse, we’ll even defend your interests in court.

• Procurement processes can be complex and extensive, consuming precious time and resource. Overlaying that with the detailed parameters that can be required in a regulated procurement process, means that mistakes are common and the consequences severe. We support procuring bodies and suppliers on every aspect of the process. From the procurement strategy itself, to advising on the selection process and award criteria, as well as aiding clients in evaluating legal and commercial risks as part of the process itself
• For contracting authorities, procurement regulations must be followed to the letter. Our team provides practical and comprehensive advice on how to stay legally compliant. This includes drafting tender documents and related contract terms, handling the invitation to tender, selection and award criteria, and drafting or reviewing procurement documents such as contract notices, decision letters and award notices. We ensure that the process and the outcomes of procurement exercises are carried out correctly to stop challenges and disputes from arising further down the line
• Mistakes can happen – on the bidder and purchaser side. Making a challenge can have significant financial and time implications so taking remedial action must be handled with care in a time-sensitive fashion. We help you to understand your options, the timescales and scope of a challenge, the procedural rules and potential remedies. Fighting it out in the courtroom is not your only choice, and we lay out all of your options – from in or out of court settlements to even re-running of tenders if a mistake is acknowledged

Our service
Through years of experience supporting buyers, and sellers to public bodies and utilities, we understand the specific sets of rules that govern how goods, works and services are purchased and sold.

We know the ins and outs of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016, the Concessions Contracts Regulation 2016, as well as other relevant laws and codes of practice and can ensure that you don’t fall short of their requirements.

With a team who are experts in regulatory compliance, fluent in the intricacies of procurement law and entrenched in the contextual setting of many sectors, we are perfectly placed to ensure your procurement experiences are smooth, cost-effective and efficient.

How we work with you
We translate the legalities into actionable and practical guidance that will keep you compliant with the many rules that govern the procurement process.

We work alongside your procurement team or bid team to give you the peace of mind and reassurance needed to continue to make successful relationships.