Reg. 18 (PCR 2015)

Principles of procurement

In: Procure > Supplier engagement

Overview

This regulation requires contracting authorities to treat all suppliers equally and without discrimination, and to act in a transparent and proportionate manner.

This regulation also prohibits contracting authorities from designing a procurement process with the intention of excluding it from the scope of procurement legislation, or with a view to artificially narrowing competition.

Objective at this commercial stage

Contracting authorities must treat suppliers equally and without discrimination throughout all stages of the procurement process. Contracting authorities must always act in a transparent and proportionate manner.

Key considerations at this commercial stage

Contracting authorities should:

  • ensure suppliers are treated equally and without discrimination at all times throughout the procurement process
  • act transparently, including by making information available for the purpose of allowing suppliers and others to understand the authority’s procurement policies and decisions.

See also in the Procurement Act 2023:

  • Section 12: Covered procurement: objectives
  • Section 13: The national procurement policy statement
  • Section 14: The Wales procurement policy statement

Additional support and guidance

Make sure you:

  • read the regulation
  • seek legal and commercial advice in the context of specific procurements