What suppliers need to know: The Procurement Act and the Common Assessment Standard

The Procurement Act 2023 comes into force on Monday 24^th February. The Act affects all suppliers looking to secure contracts, or currently engaged in contracts, with public sector organisations such as government departments, local authorities, schools, leisure facilities, NHS etc.

Ultimately, the purpose of the Procurement Act 2023 is to simplify compliance and prevent the duplication of contract applications. It will speed up and streamline public sector contract bids by making them more straightforward, competitive and inclusive. The changes will be particularly beneficial for SMEs and startups.

Contracting authorities should now assess their suppliers’ compliance using the Common Assessment Standard. Compliance Chain is a Recognised Assessment Body, authorised to assess companies against the Common Assessment Standard.

What is the Common Assessment Standard?

The Common Assessment Standard simplifies the pre-qualification contract process. Its purpose is to enhance efficiencies and reduce the costs incurred by both suppliers and public sector clients during the public procurement process.

Having identified issues with efficiencies, costs and quality standards of public procurement due to multiple scheme memberships and compliance standards, Build UK developed the Common Assessment Standard to streamline the process and improve these critical areas. The Common Assessment Standard asks industry-agreed questions in a single standardised assessment to prequalify suppliers in accordance with PPN 03/24, the Procurement Policy Note issued by the UK government.

The Common Assessment Standard is a unified framework that has become the industry benchmark for prequalification. To qualify for public contracts, it is therefore now essential that suppliers comply with the Common Assessment Standard. There are several benefits of being certified to the Common Assessment Standard including:

• Being able to tender for projects that specify Common Assessment Standard as a requirement. Crown Commercial Service has confirmed that suppliers applying to its new Construction Works and Associated Services Framework.
• Standardisation of questions simplifies the pre-qualification process for suppliers and clients so you can win more work
• Exemptions from sections if you hold industry-recognised accreditations, such as SSIP certifications

More information about the Common Assessment Standard can be found on the Compliance Chain website here.

What the Procurement Act 2023 means for construction suppliers

The Procurement Act 2023 aligns with updated guidance on the selection process provided by PPN 03/24 to reinforce the Common Assessment Standard and overhaul public procurement.

For construction suppliers, the Procurement Act 2023 brings significant changes including:

• A more streamlined and simplified procurement process
• An even playing field with greater transparency from initial engagement through to the awarding of a contract and its management
• Greater focus on social value factors such as the environment, community, inclusivity and ethics
• More protection for suppliers with measures around payment and fair treatment
• Overall value for money as a priority.

The benefits for suppliers provided by the Procurement Act 2023 are far reaching:

• No duplication of compliance efforts which saves a significant amount of time and associated costs
• Streamlined pre-qualification for a level playing field
• More flexibility in the bidding process and more accessible commercial frameworks
• Wider opportunities for engagement in public tenders
• Greater clarity on procurement rules and procedures so that suppliers can prepare and submit competitive bids
• Protections for suppliers for enhanced security
• The feedback on final tenders, that public bodies must now provide, will help suppliers to improve the quality and effectiveness of their bids for future contracts.

Benefits of Compliance Chain Gold Membership for construction suppliers

Compliance Chain’s Gold Membership helps suppliers to meet the Common Assessment Standard requirements across 10 compliance areas:

• Identity
• Financial
• Corporate and Professional Standing
• Health and Safety
• Environmental
• Quality
• Building Safety
• Fairness, Inclusion & Respect [FIR]
• Information Security
• Information Management (IM)

Once suppliers have evidenced compliance with these areas, they have satisfied the Common Assessment Standards.

So, what sets Compliance Chain apart from the rest? With a Compliance Chain Gold Membership, members receive these additional benefits:

Access to the Project Opportunities Portal with live tenders

In addition to projects managed directly on Compliance Chain, our platform provides real-time updates on 2000|+ construction tenders across the UK. With multiple API integrations, you gain access to an even broader array of work opportunities, helping you expand your reach and unlock new revenue streams.

SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is included in ALL memberships

Achieving SSIP certification helps suppliers to meet the health and safety requirements of the Common Assessment Standard. With SSIP often requested for many contracts, you can open your business up to more construction tender opportunities.

Fast track verification in 48 hours as standard

We understand that quick verification allows you to get on site faster. Compliance Chain verification takes 48 hours as standard with no additional fee so that suppliers don’t miss out on valuable contract tenders.

Greater exposure

Being certified to the Common Assessment Standard improves suppliers’ visibility to potential clients and contractors on the Compliance Chain platform. Moreover, the ‘My Portfolio’ feature allows you to promote essential information to potential clients who are searching for subcontractors for their projects.

Free online demo walking you through of the supplier software

Take a walk through the Compliance Chain platform using our Supplier Solution Demo. Here you will see how a Compliance Chain membership can help you to win more work and become certified while receiving essential support and access to a range of exclusive benefits. Alternatively, you can download our brochure or call 0333 577 7575 for more information.