Running the Restricted Procedure

Procurement in the UK is predominantly undertaken via the restricted procedure despite its time-consuming and expensive methodology.

As the procedure is undertaken in defined stages, each of which requires its own detailed evaluation process, this often creates a greater risk of error occurring within the procurement process.

Errors frequently occur in areas such as selection and award criteria, where organisations erroneously use selection criteria at the award stage or ask the same questions at both stages, when this should not occur.

This PASS Workshop will seek to clearly explain the correct methodology when undertaking a restricted procedure and will highlight, using real-life examples, areas that need to be carefully approached, including:

• Timescale Reductions
• Pre-Qualification Questionnaires
• Invitations to Tender
• Evaluation Issues
• Award Criteria

A combination of case study and exercise will be used to aid the understanding of how the process should be run.

It is also important that, from the outset, contracting authorities consider areas such as the number of applicants to be taken to tender; whether variants will be accepted; whether a framework is likely to result from the exercise; or even whether an eAuction is likely to be used. All of these areas and more have to be clearly identified through the OJEU notice to ensure that no challenge is forthcoming – failure to consider these points can at best lead to a failed exercise and at worst to a legal challenge.

This PASS Workshop will explain the benefits of using the restricted procedure as well as guiding attendees through the best practice methodology which will help them to decide when best to use the procedure to obtain the optimum results.

Who should attend?

• Public sector buyers
• Contract specifiers
• Commissioners
• Finance officers
• Legal personnel
• Budget holders

Why attend?

Despite being the most commonly used methodology in public sector procurement in the UK, there are numerous examples of contracting authorities failing to get the restricted procedure right.

This PASS Workshop will look at the use of the restricted procedure from a simple two-part process to the more complex evaluation structures that can be utilised, highlighting some of the major risks that can befall contracting authorities.

Through a mix of presentation, case study and exercise, delegates will be given a clear and concise understanding of the intricacies of the restricted procedure, including guidance on the mandatory and optional exclusions, tips on seeking technical information and advice on developing suitable award criteria and weightings.