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
Engaging early with steel producers and fabricators is likely to help in-scope organisations understand the range of solutions and options available from the market and the deliverability of their requirements. Preliminary market engagement should involve all tiers of the supply chain including steel producers, fabricators and stockists.
Key considerations at this commercial stage
In-scope organisations should:
- engage early with steel producers and fabricators to understand the range of solutions and options available from the market and the deliverability of their requirements. Early engagement encourages market interest (including from small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs’) and new entrants) and can provide in-scope organisations with valuable information to develop the delivery model and shape the procurement design, by testing and piloting approaches, routes to market, conditions of participation, and award criteria, including social value considerations
- ensure preliminary market engagement involves all tiers of the supply chain including steel producers, fabricators and stockists
- consider whether potential contractors have pre-established vertical supply chain arrangements, in advance, to ensure maximising supply chain diversity, resilience, innovation, and to provide a level playing field.
Legal framework
This content is under development.
