SME Action Plan to Boost Government Procurement
The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has announced an SME Action Plan to create a more level playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in government procurement. As a sales or bid manager targeting public sector contracts, it’s essential to understand how this plan can open up opportunities for your business.
Key Objectives and Measures in the ...
Procurement Agility Impacts British Army Logistics in 2024.
Under a new £282 million contract, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles will deliver 500 multipurpose trucks to the British Army in 2024.
These vehicles will allow personnel to load flat racks onto the platform, which can carry essential logistics such as ammunition, food, water, and support materiel, to operational locations.
The procurement deal is a collaboration between Defence ...
Artificial Intelligence Poised to Transform Public Procurement
Our CEO, Ian Makgill, recently discussed imminent AI impacts on public procurement in an enlightening The Trowers podcast. Rapid advances in generative language models like ChatGPT foreshadow revolutionary change ahead. Yet governments have scarcely begun responding, given the swift pace of progress. Ian explored both challenges and opportunities from AI alongside transparency and data improvements still ...
EU Auditors Flag Declining Competition in Public Procurement
A new report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA) reveals troubling trends regarding competition for European public sector contracts. As bidding managers know, EU public procurement represents a massive €2 trillion market. Yet despite the scale of this opportunity, securing public contracts appears to be getting more complicated, not easier.
The audit shows that between 2011-2021, the average ...
Tightened Payment Terms for Public Procurement Suppliers
The UK government's new tightened payment terms for suppliers in public procurement contracts signals a vital move that will have far-reaching impacts across the business landscape when bidding for contracts.
Far-Reaching Scope of New Public Payment Rules
The new Procurement Policy Note 10/23 (PPN) will require suppliers bidding on government contracts to prove they pay 95% of invoices in 60 ...
Public Sector Insights: Unlocking Growth for Trade Associations
As advocates for their respective industries, trade associations are uniquely positioned to guide business growth opportunities. In our previous article, "Export Strategy: Harnessing Government Procurement Data", we explored how government procurement data can seamlessly integrate into export strategy. Today, we will discover how incorporating government procurement data insights can elevate a trade association's leadership, empower members, ...
Navigating Changes in Healthcare Service Provider Selection
The Provider Selection Regime (PSR) is set to come into force on January 1, 2024, introducing new rules for procuring healthcare services in England. As a supplier, you need to understand these changes and how they may impact you.
When Does The PSR Take Effect?
The PSR will come into force on January 1, 2024, replacing current healthcare ...
All About the £480m NHS IT Deal
The US analytics and AI firm Palantir, partnering with Accenture, could be awarded as the £480m Federated Data Platform (FDP) procurement winner. The announcement is expected after ministers signed off on the decision.
Palantir, the current supplier for FDP, was widely seen as the favourite throughout the procurement process. Its main rivals were Oracle and IBM.
Background on ...
Changing Landscape of UK Defence Contracting
Government procurement always involves navigating complex regulations, but few areas are more intricate than defence acquisitions. In our previous article, "EU's First Joint Defence Procurement Deal", we describe details about the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Agreement (EDIRPA). EDIRPA seeks to address the longstanding fragmentation of demand among EU member states and aims to ...
Assessing the Procurement Act 2023: What’s in Store for UK SMEs?
The Procurement Bill recently received Royal Assent on 26 October, becoming the Procurement Act 2023. This legislation represents one of the most substantial overhauls of the UK's public procurement system in decades. While now law, the Act's provisions still need to be fully in force.
Full implementation is expected in October 2024 after a transition period.
We have ...
Rebuilding Ukraine: How Businesses Can Leverage the DREAM Platform for Impact and Opportunity
Businesses looking to enter and grow in the promising Ukrainian market should consider leveraging the new Digital Reconstruction Ecosystem for Accountable Management (DREAM) system. This digital platform offers a transparent, efficient way for businesses to participate in Ukraine's massive reconstruction efforts as the country rebuilds from the destruction of war.
Transparency and Accountability Through DREAM
With damage estimates ...
EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation Go Live: Impact on Public Procurement Bidding
Adopted in December 2022, the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) addresses the European Union (EU) internal market distortion caused by foreign subsidies. This regulation closes the regulatory gap concerning subsidies from foreign states, which was not covered by EU State aid rules applicable to EU countries. The notification obligations under the updated FSR came into force ...
What the New UK Procurement Bill Means for Suppliers
The UK's upcoming Procurement Bill, designed to reshape the post-Brexit public procurement system, is entering its final legislative phase. The House of Lords is reviewing amendments proposed by the Commons, with the next session scheduled for October 24, 2023. This stage is the last hurdle before the bill becomes law.
The anticipated launch date for the new ...
EU’s First Joint Defence Procurement Deal
The European Parliament has taken a significant step in enhancing the defence industry and international relations with its first-ever joint procurement agreement for defence. Named the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Agreement (EDIRPA), this project was initiated in response to the war in Ukraine.
Combating Fragmentation of Demand EDIRPA seeks to address the long-standing fragmentation ...
The EU Supply Chain Act is Coming – Are You Ready?
The European Union will soon require thousands of large companies to actively identify and reduce human rights abuses and environmental damage in their supply chains. This new EU regulation will also cover foreign businesses with operations in the region, including American companies.
The European Parliament approved a draft of the rules in June, 2023. Now EU members ...