Overview
This PPN applies to all central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies when awarding public contracts for goods, and or services, and or works, other than special regime contracts, where steel is being procured directly or indirectly (collectively referred to as ‘in-scope organisations’).
Other public sector contracting authorities are encouraged to consider applying the approach set out in this PPN and guidance, as appropriate, where they do not have equivalent measures in place. They should do so, in accordance with the relevant instructions in each case and in light of any relevant legal obligations which may apply.
The PPN sets out a number of existing policies, tools and methodologies that in-scope organisations should consider and apply (where appropriate) when designing relevant steel procurements. A relevant steel procurement is a regulated procurement where steel is being procured directly or indirectly.
The PPN also sets out the scope of reporting requirements on steel pipeline and actuals data.
Note: This PPN replaces PPN 02/23 for procurements commencing on or after 24 February 2025.
Objective at this commercial stage
For procurements requiring significant amounts of steel (e.g. major infrastructure projects), broader consideration of social, economic and environmental factors, including strategic goals (established in the business case) should be fully reflected in the subsequent procurement strategy.
Key considerations at this commercial stage
In-scope organisations should:
- consider how the tools, policies and methodologies outlined in the accompanying guidance to this PPN (i.e. PPN 010) may apply to the procurement
- undertake a modern slavery risk assessment using the risk characteristics tool contained within the government’s ‘Tackling Modern Slavery in Government Supply Chains’ guidance (see PPN 009)
- have regard, unless an exception applies, to the national priorities contained within the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS)
- identify any social, economic and environmental considerations, relevant to the steel procurement, for testing through preliminary market engagement activities
- ensure that broader economic and strategic goals, established in the business case, are fully reflected in the subsequent procurement strategy
Legal framework
This content is under development.
