Overview

Nabarro has submitted a comprehensive response to the European Commission’s consultation on the modernisation of the public procurement rules. The consultation is wide-ranging, covering both policy and procedural aspects of procurement. It is heartening that the EU has identified public procurement as a key area for delivery of a more competitive market where reform is required.

The consultation covered the scope of the public procurement rules, the effectiveness and flexibility of the procurement procedures, access to SMEs and tendering in other member states.

The Nabarro response focuses on our extensive practical experience of public contracts procurement across a wide range of sectors, recommending greater clarity and increased flexibility in certain key areas and cautioning against greater regulation in areas where the public sector should be allowed to make its own judgements.

The resulting legislative changes are likely to have a significant effect on the way in which public procurement operates in the UK, both for the public sector and for private sector bidders.

To read Nabarro’s full report, click View Briefing.