Transforming public procurement: Response to the December 2020 Government Green paper

This submission responds to the consultation on post Brexit reform of public procurement being proposed by the UK Government, published on 15 Dec. 2020. While many of the proposed reforms are welcomed, such as the greater focus on long term outcomes and social value, this response highlights further opportunities to secure design quality, innovation ease of access, and better construction sector procurement.

However most of the objectives raised appear possible under the Public Contract Regulations (PCR 2015). And that rather than reforming the legislation, a profound improvement in capacity, capability and culture is thought of greater value for achieving the objectives being sought. It is also considered that the principle of proportionality should be a primary principle in procurement, so that processes and procedures are most appropriate.

For construction consultants a specific concern is that the Design Contest Procedure is not included. This is the only procedure provided specifically for the appointment of architects and planners. It has an anonymous, qualitative and peer review assessment and selection procedure based on a spatial design proposition. It is a long standing internationally recognised competition format well explained within the Project Compass Design Contests Guidance. This procedure provides unique and innovative opportunities.

This March 2021 joint response is a collaboration between Project Compass CIC and The London Practice Forum.