Contratación pública
Contratos públicos, Ley de Contratación 2023, recursos y contratación sectorial.
Introducción
La contratación pública regula cómo los organismos gubernamentales adjudican contratos y gastan fondos públicos.
Principios fundamentales
Covered Procurement — The Act applies to contracts above specified thresholds awarded by contracting authorities (central government, local authorities, NHS, utilities).
Key Principles — Procurement must be carried out in accordance with the objectives of delivering value for money, maximising public benefit, and treating suppliers the same unless a difference is justified.
Competitive Tendering — Contracting authorities must use competitive procedures (open, competitive flexible, etc.) unless a direct award justification applies.
Transparency — Contract notices, award decisions, and contract details must be published on the central digital platform.
Standstill Period — Before entering into a contract, the contracting authority must observe a standstill period, allowing unsuccessful suppliers to challenge the decision.
Remedies — Suppliers can seek court orders including interim measures, set-aside of contract award decisions, and damages.
Leyes clave
Procurement Act 2023
Casos principales
Brent LBC v Risk Management Partners
[2011] UKSC 7
Escenarios comunes
Supplier believes tender was unfairly evaluated
The supplier should request a debrief and review the evaluation report. If there are grounds for challenge, they can issue proceedings during the standstill period to seek an interim order preventing the contract being entered into, and ultimately seek damages or set-aside of the decision.