Public Procurement 2023-02-02
2023-02-02
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions about the Procurement Bill's effects on economic growth and innovation are ongoing.
What recent discussions have been had with relevant stakeholders regarding the potential impact of the Procurement Bill on (a) economic growth and (b) innovation?
The Procurement Bill is being considered in Committee. It aims to simplify procurement processes, making it easier for SMEs and social enterprises to win public sector contracts. The Cabinet Office has engaged with hundreds of organisations during the development phase.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about discussions or impact on economic growth and innovation.
Did Not Address Specific Asks
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a history of mixed success in procurement and contract management for major UK projects.
How will the Procurement Bill embed external expertise in the procurement process and IT productivity systems in the contract management process?
The Cabinet Office is producing comprehensive guidance and training for contracting authorities. This includes sharing best practices, supporting commercial best practice through various programmes like contract management capability and playbooks on sourcing and contracting.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how external expertise will be embedded in procurement processes or IT productivity systems.
Did Not Address Specific Asks
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Residents feel disconnected from Westminster and seek local business opportunities in public procurement.
How will the Procurement Bill enable businesses in North Norfolk to bid for £300 billion-worth of services procured annually by the Government?
The Bill includes a specific duty on contracting authorities to recognise SME barriers, strengthens prompt payment requirements, introduces a single digital platform for bidders, and new transparency measures benefitting SMEs.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Contracting local companies like Wrightbus can expand the economy.
What steps will the Cabinet Office take to prioritise domestic contracts within the UK and devolved Assemblies?
The Bill introduces provisions for contracting authorities to publish their pipeline and advance notices of procurement, enabling businesses to prepare for local contracts.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify steps taken by the Cabinet Office to prioritise domestic contracts.
Did Not Address Specific Asks
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Amendment proposed to ensure transparency in direct award recommendations.
Will the Minister support an amendment ensuring Ministers, peers or senior civil servants must declare private interests when recommending suppliers under direct award?
Transparency is a key element of the new procurement regime which replaces outdated EU regulations, ensuring sunlight throughout the process from start to finish.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address supporting or opposing the amendment for declaring private interests in direct award recommendations.
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Response accuracy