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Public procurement

Public bodies, such as local councils, universities and regional development agencies, have to follow the public procurement rules when they buy supplies, works or services.   Our team of specialist, City trained procurement experts are experienced in providing practical, risk-based advice to public bodies on how to comply with the rules.  

If you are bidding for a public sector contract, we can advise on the best legal and “political” means of ensuring a level playing field during the bidding process and on how best to complain if the rules have been broken.  We have specific experience of advising both bidders and public sector bodies on challenges during the mandatory standstill period.

The EC public procurement rules are constantly changing with new guidance and case law  coming out all the time. Recent changes mean that public sector agreements  (particularly land development agreements) are more often caught by the EC public procurement rules than they used to be. Significant changes (due by the end of 2009) will give the courts the right to "tear up" agreements awarded in breach of the rules and give disgruntled bidders more scope to challenge.

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Peter Andrews

Partner
T: 03700 86 5035
I: +44 (0)115 906 5035
E: peter.andrews@shoosmiths.co.uk