What is regulated procurement?

The main aims of the procurement rules are to:

• ensure contracts are awarded transparently, without discrimination, between suppliers from different member states, and ensuring equal treatment and
• promote an internal market (allowing free movement of goods and services) throughout the UK.

Authorities or bodies awarding a contract to which the procurement regime applies must:

• advertise the contract at UK level on the Find A Tender website and
• follow the regime’s specified procedures for:
  • selecting candidates to participate in procurement procedures and
  • evaluating tenders.

Even where particular contracts fall outside the application of these rules or are subject to less rigorous procedural requirements, general legal principles may apply to ensure that the awarding of the contract complies with the principles of equal treatment, transparency and non-discrimination.

For those who supply construction services to the public sector, the government’s demands as a construction client need to be considered alongside the procurement rules.