The challenge of planning a spring 2025 procurement

The original National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) has now been withdrawn and the Procurement Act's commencement delayed until 24 February next year.

For contracting authorities deciding whether to go ahead with a planned procurement now, or to delay under after 24 February, a real challenge is not knowing when the new NPPS will be available: section 13(9) requires contracting authorities to “have regard to” the NPPS. Which is impossible for the time being as the NPPS doesn't currently exist.

The Act also requires there to be a consultation on the replacement NPPS (whenever that might be ready) and for it to be approved by Parliament. Factor in Christmas holidays, and it's easy to see how planning for a spring 2025 procurement has suddenly become very challenging.