Our procurement team consists of five full-time specialists who work within the firm’s nationally renowned projects group. Our extensive experience and specialist resource, together with innovative products such as a “procurement hotline” service allow us to offer a first class service to all of our clients.
We act for a wide range of bodies subject to EU Procurement Rules, this includes:-
• local authorities
• NHS trusts
• higher and further education bodies
• transport utility bodies
• energy utility bodies
• registered social landlords
We have advised on a wide range of matters, including:-
• advising on the use of the competitive dialogue procedure in respect of major projects, including Building Schools for the Future projects. We are heavily involved in advising on competitive dialogue procedures on a range of projects, including ICT contracts and regeneration projects as well as PFI and major PPP projects.
• regeneration projects – advising both local authorities and RSLs when acting as bidders. The advice on regeneration projects has also involved us in advising on the implications of the Auroux decision.
• framework agreements – we have advised a range of clients on how to procure major framework agreements, in particular, ensuring compliance with the Regulations and providing guidance on the running of mini competitions. We advised Partnerships for Schools on the National Contractors' Framework for Academies.
• potential challenges to procedures – where we have advised the contracting authority.
• wide range of miscellaneous advice in respect of EU procurement rules. Some clients take advantage of our “procurement hotline” service for ad hoc advice.
• drafting of procurement documentation and “project managing” the procurement process on behalf of the client.
• delivering bespoke training to a number of clients. Such sessions can be relatively formal or more informal on a workshop basis. Topics have included: case law updates; framework agreements; competitive dialogue; regeneration projects; social and environmental considerations in procurement and disclosure of criteria.