New OJEU Forms have been published

The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 introduced changes to the information that must be published in an OJEU Notice and required new forms, for example, the new contract notice and award notice for procurements falling under the Light Touch Regime.

Procurement Case: Lightways (Contractors) Ltd v Inverclyde Council 2015

In 2015 Inverclyde Council held a mini-competition for street lighting services under a framework agreement and awarded the contract to Amey Public Services LLP, however it was Amey OW Ltd that was party to the framework agreement. Lightways (Contractors) Ltd (not a supplier on the framework) challenged the award on the basis that this was unlawful direct award made without advertisement in the OJEU.

Engagement with Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME’s)

The new EU regulations proactively encourage increased engagement with SMEs which is something that CPC has always endeavored to do. On two frameworks recently carried out under the new EU regulations approximately a third of successful suppliers declared themselves an SME. We believe this is a positive indication that our tender process facilitates SME participation.

CPC Invited to Present at Procurement Event in South Korea

CPC are delighted to announce that we have been invited to present about UK Education Sector Procurement and to engage with suppliers at a Procurement Partnering Conference Event taking place in South Korea on 13th May. The aim of the conference is to promote engagement between UK and South Korean suppliers and manufacturers.

Update on the Awarding Organisations Project

The project to set up a framework for working with Awarding Organisations is progressing well. In January the steering group ran a supplier day in London. A variety of suppliers attended either the morning or afternoon session and there was a great deal of discussion about the project which was been extremely valuable to the group.

15-19% Average Savings Found in Recent CPC Benchmarking

Please see the fantastic results that have been achieved in the benchmarking exercises that have been carried out during January and February 2016.

Launch Date for Re-Tender of Security Services - Manned Guarding

We are pleased to inform you that the new Security Services – Manned Guarding Framework was launched on 22 February 2016 and is now ready for you to use.

Desktop Hardware Framework

After a number of months evaluating the 67 tender submissions we are pleased to announce the launch of the framework that hopefully will not only satisfy your ICT needs but exceed them.

How the CPC can help with electronic procurement

Using a CPC framework avoids the need to invest in an e-tendering system as we offer members access to our e-tendering systems free of charge. For mini competitions via a framework that exceed £164,176 we recommend using the CPC Intend Mini Tender Tool. This tool complies with all the requirements of the Regulations including those that come into force after 18 October 2018. If you would like access to the portal please email the CPC Helpdesk at helpdesk@thecpc.ac.uk and we will set up an account for you.

Electronic procurement – new guidance on the regulations

Crown Commercial Services (CCS) have issued guidance on the changes in The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 that affect the way in which contracting authorities (i.e. schools, academies and colleges etc) communicate with tenderers during a tender process for contracts above £164,176 in value. The full guidance document can be viewed from Further Education Library of Procurement (FELP), however as a reminder below is a summary of the regulations and the date upon which they apply: