Found the answer to your question?

We have tried to list some of the most commonly asked questions about the procurement process, but we welcome your feedback - if your question isn't included, please get in touch.

Transparency

I have heard about new transparency requirements in relation to public procurements and public contracts. What are these?

The requirements apply to central government, including departments, their agents, agencies, all Non-Departmental Public Bodies, Trading Funds and National Health Service bodies.

There are three separate obligations:

All new ICT contracts valued over £10,000 to be published;
All new tender documents (usually, OJEU advertisement, PQQ, ITT (including terms and conditions)), for contracts valued over £10,000 to be published; and
All new contracts valued over £10,000 to be published in full from January 2011, with redactions if necessary.

This information is to be published on a portal called "Contracts Finder" which will be operational by the end of 2010. The OGC transparency page contains extensive guidance about how contracting authorities should comply with the three requirements.

A separate regime applies to Local Authorities - see the Local Government Group's guidance on the new transparency obligations for local authorities here.

Procurement helpline

The Procurement Portal aims to provide a "one stop shop" for procurement law queries and advice.

Call 0844 561 6121 to speak to someone in our team or email us with your query.