Overview
This PPN applies to all central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (collectively referred to as ‘in-scope organisations’) when awarding regulated below threshold contracts for goods, and or services, and or works, other than special regime contracts . Other public sector contracting authorities may wish to apply the approach set out in this PPN.
This PPN and its associated guidance covers options available to in-scope organisations when procuring contracts for goods, services and works below relevant thresholds; provided for in Schedule 1 of the Procurement Act 2023. Other contracting authorities may apply the approach outlined in this PPN, application of which should be considered in light of the authorities’ relevant legal obligations. There are also exceptions to the application of the policy, to certain procurements which involve the provision of goods into Northern Ireland.
In-scope organisations may consider, where appropriate, options for the procurement of below threshold contracts, including reserving the procurement by supplier location (UK-wide, by county or borough for London), and reserving the procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs). In this context location means where the supplier is based or established and has substantive business operations rather than the location of corporate ownership.
The reservation for SMEs and VCSEs cannot be applied independently of the location reservation, which must always apply when reserving under this policy.
Note: This PPN replaces PPN 11/20 for procurements commencing on or after 24 February 2025.