The Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) came into force on Monday 24 February 2025 and replaced previous regulations governing public procurement in the UK.
PA23 has changed how public procurement is carried out with an aim to improve the way supplies, services and works are procured for the public sector.
You can view the Act on the UK legislation website and for the most recent updates and news, visit Transforming Public Procurement.
What it means for suppliers
If your organisation supplies goods, works or services to Bedford Borough Council or you hope to do so in the future, you will need to be registered on the Central Digital Platform (CDP) and familiarise yourself on these changes
From the 24 February 2025, suppliers will be able to register on the CDP that will have new features which should make it easier to do business with the public sector - ie councils.
The CDP includes a new, enhanced Find a Tender service which advertises tender opportunities combined with a simplified bidding process that should make submission of tenders easier.
CDP Share Code
You will now require a CDP Share Code, mandated by the UK Government Cabinet Office, to submit bids. However, you can still express interest and download documents without one.
You can only apply for your CDP Share Code only from 24 February 2025.
See the Central Digital Platform factsheet on GOV.UK to find out more.
Information and guidance for suppliers
GOV.UK has lots of further information and guidance on its website:
- Procurement Act 2023 - Information and guidance for suppliers - information, links and videos for further details.
- Transforming Public Procurement for resources.
- Series of ‘knowledge drop’ training videos designed specifically for suppliers, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).
- Benefits for prospective suppliers to the public sector.
- Public procurement knowledge drops.
- Short guide for suppliers.
You can also join the Cabinet Office mailing list to receive regular updates and alerts when guidance material is published.