Overview
This PPN applies to all central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (collectively referred to as ‘in-scope organisations’). It is relevant only where Part 2 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015) would have otherwise applied to the award of the contract because the estimated value of the procurement is less than the relevant threshold applicable under PCR 2015.
PPN 11/20 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 PCR 2015. Other contracting authorities may apply the principles 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.