How to Run the Open Procedure

Following the Government's proposal for the removal of PQQs from procurements below £100,000, the public sector is moving to increase transparency and make procurement more accessible. This has led to an increase in the use of the Open Procedure.

The Open Procedure offers contracting authorities the opportunity to run a one-stage tender exercise.

This one-step process, while removing the need for the pre-qualification stage, still permits a selection stage which allows buyers to 'qualify' bidders. However, in order to take full advantage of the benefits of running an Open Procedure, the trick lies in getting the documentation correct.

This half-day PASS workshop will cover a range of topics including:

• Timescales
• OJEU Notice
• Issuing of Tender Documentation
• Evaluation Issues
• Evaluation Matrix
• Advantages and Disadvantages

The event will use a combination of case study and exercise to help you understand how the process should be run.

Many buyers think that using the Open Procedure is unfair to suppliers, as they have to complete a full tender rather than just a PQQ.

Suppliers, on the other hand, frequently feel that their exclusion at PQQ does not allow them the opportunity to show what they can do and that a full tender gives them greater scope to display their skills.

There is a misconception among many buyers that the Open Procedure is laborious, as all submissions need to be evaluated. However, using the Open Procedure does not, as we will demonstrate, remove the ability to ‘qualify' bidders.

If advertised in the manner as explained in this workshop, the Open Procedure can be run in as short a timescale as 24 days.

This PASS workshop will explain the benefits of the Open Procedure as well as guiding attendees through the best practice methodology which will help them get optimum results from using the Open Procedure.

Who Should Attend?

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

Why Attend?

Mistakes using the Open Procedure could lead to a failed procurement or even legal challenge; getting the process right first time is therefore essential. By gaining a detailed understanding of how and when to use the Open Procedure, benefits can be realised by both buyers and suppliers.

Delegates, through a mix of presentation, case study and exercise will learn how to implement the various stages essential to running a successful open procedure while remaining compliant with the UK legislation and the legal judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the UK Courts.

This PASS workshop will deliver a clear and concise explanation of the use of the open procedure in procurement exercises.