What are transparency notices? How will the Procurement Act impact my organisation? What changes come into effect? All questions you might be asking yourself.
Understanding transparency notices, is a good place to begin.
Read our short guide for Procurement Officers…
The Procurement Act (2023) is set to transform public sector procurement in the UK, placing a strong emphasis on transparency. A notable change is the introduction of Transparency Notices.
What Are Transparency Notices?
Transparency Notices are documents that contracting authorities must publish before awarding a contract or framework agreement without a competitive tender process.
These notices are designed to ensure that authorities are held accountable for contracts awarded without competition.
Key Information Required
Under Regulation 26 of the Procurement Regulations 2024, Transparency Notices must include:
- Details of the Contract: This includes the nature and value of the contract.
- Justification for Direct Award: An explanation of why a competitive process was not used.
- Supplier Information: Details about the chosen supplier.
The Impact on Procurement
The mandatory Procurement Act publication of Transparency Notices is expected to:
- Increase Accountability: By making procurement decisions more transparent.
- Enhance Public Scrutiny: Allowing the public to review and question procurement choices.
- Improve Supplier Confidence: By ensuring a fairer and more open procurement process.
Challenges and Considerations
While the new requirements of the Procurement Act aim to boost transparency, they also present some challenges:
- Resource Constraints: Procurement teams may face difficulties managing the additional workload.
- Data Management: Ensuring that notices are well-organised and accessible is crucial.
Why Does this matter?
The introduction of Transparency Notices represents a significant advance towards greater transparency in public procurement.
By understanding and adhering to these new requirements, suppliers and procurement officers can help foster a more accountable and transparent procurement environment.
To find out more, keep a look out for our upcoming event or get in touch with our consultants.
Following the announcement from the Cabinet Office to delay the Procurement Act form October 2024- February 2025, we will be running a session with expert speakers to help organisations transition seamlessly.
