Procurement Act 2023

What is changing? 

A new set of procurement regulations are being brought in by the Cabinet Office to replace what's in place now, and is known as the 'Procurement Act 2023'. The new Regulations will apply from 24th February 2025 and will change how TfGM (and all other public sector organisations) carry out their Procurement activity, the Government aims are to improve the way contracts are procured for the public sector and make the procurement and management of contracts more transparent. 

Useful Resources for Suppliers 

There is a dedicated information page for suppliers (external link)on the GOV.UK website which gives information and guidance for suppliers on the new Regulations. This includes a short guide for suppliers (external link) as well as the resources below. 

Video messages / animations 

Informative videos are available for suppliers and suppliers classed as Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME's) and Community Sector Enterprises (VCSE's) here short guides (external link). 

Knowledge Drops 

There are a series of Knowledge Drops (external link) for suppliers and SME's/VCSE's which are designed to provide an easy to digest, high-level overview of the changes to the regulations. 

There are 3 Knowledge Drops for suppliers and 3 Knowledge Drops for SME's/VCSE's covering a variety of topics including 

• The new 'Central Digital Platform'  

• Changes to procurement procedures 

• Commitments around prompt supplier payment 

• New Notices and our publication requirements 

The new 'Central Digital Platform' 

This new portal created by the Cabinet Office will be used by TfGM and all other public-sector bodies to publish details of new procurement opportunities when the new Regulations start at the end of February 2025. 

Take a look at this factsheet explaining how the Central Digital Platform will work (external link). 

It will be a single place for all suppliers to register and upload their key business information and to search for new tendering opportunities and awarded contracts. The benefits for suppliers will include: 

• Reduced duplication and resources needed for tendering 

• The ability to set up custom searches and receive alerts based on what your business can provide to the public sector 

• Free to access 

It will be mandatory, and your responsibility to register your business and keep your details and information up to date if you wish to bid for public contracts.

The Central Digital Platform will be where TfGM (and other public sector bodies) will be publishing the range of notices relating to new tendering opportunities and awarded contracts.  

TfGM will still use the E-Tendering portal Pro-Contract to advertise our open opportunities, receive bids from suppliers and manage our procurement activities, the Central Digital Platform will be an additional website where notices have to be published. 

What can suppliers do to prepare for the new Regulations? 

• You should read and watch the available GOV.UK resources and understand the main changes 

• Register your business on the Central Digital Platform when this becomes available on 24th February 2025 

• Take a look at our Contracts Pipeline on our main Procurement page 

• Identify how your organisation can contribute to our local mayoral priorities and Social Value objectives (such as job creation, upskilling of the workforce and net carbon zero) by visiting and familiarising yourself with the Greater Manchester Social Value Policy 

Need more information? 

You will find most of the information summarised on the GOV.UK Transforming Public Procurement webpage (external link), where suppliers can check for regular updates. 

You can receive regular updates by signing up to the mailing list (external link).