Procurement Act 2023 Readiness Checklist for Contracting Authorities
The Procurement Act 2023 has officially come into force, changing how UK contracting authorities plan, run, and evaluate procurements. This checklist helps you quickly assess whether your procurement and evaluation processes are compliant, practical, and defensible under the new rules.
It focuses on real-world risk areas rather than legal theory, so your teams can spot gaps before they become issues.
Procurement Planning
- We can clearly explain why our chosen procedure complies with the Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement strategies are documented and communicated, not just assumed
- Teams understand when the Act applies and when exceptions might exist
Procurement Process Design
- Timelines are aligned with the chosen procedure under the Act
- Flexibility is planned, not improvised, ensuring compliance and defensibility
- Any departures from precedent are justified, documented, and auditable
Evaluation Design
- Award criteria are clear, proportionate, outcome-focused, and aligned with the Act
- Scoring guidance reduces subjective interpretation and ensures consistency
- Evaluators understand how to evidence their scores for audit purposes
Evaluation Delivery
- Evaluation scores are supported by clear written rationales to ensure Procurement Act 2023 compliance
- Moderation is structured, consistent, and traceable
- Decisions can be clearly linked from criteria to final outcome
Transparency and Record Keeping
- Required notices are understood, scheduled, and issued on time
- Decisions are documented with publication and scrutiny in mind
- Records are robust and would stand up to internal or external review
Post-Award and Performance Management
- Contract award decisions are clearly defensible and compliant with the Act
- Performance expectations are documented and communicated to suppliers
- Supplier performance information is captured and available if required
If several of these areas listed above feel uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many contracting authorities are still adapting their procurement processes even a year after go-live.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s confidence: knowing your processes are compliant, defensible, and aligned with the Procurement Act 2023.
FAQs
The Procurement Act 2023 applies to all UK public sector contracting authorities and sets out new rules for planning, running, and evaluating procurements. Use this checklist to see if your processes are compliant.
A defensible decision is one that is clearly documented, aligned with award criteria, and auditable. Our checklist highlights the steps to make sure decisions can withstand internal and external scrutiny.
Evaluation compliance requires clear award criteria, structured scoring, and documented rationales. Following the checklist ensures your evaluation process meets the Procurement Act 2023 standards.
Yes. The Act emphasises transparency and record keeping. Documenting strategies, timelines, and evaluation decisions helps show compliance and supports defensible decision making.
No. The goal is confidence, not perfection. This checklist helps contracting authorities identify gaps and focus on practical improvements to meet the Act’s requirements.