Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Government contract law in Exeter operates within the wider United Kingdom procurement framework. Local authorities such as Exeter City Council and Devon County Council use national rules to buy goods, services and works from suppliers. The core rules require fair competition, transparency and non discrimination in tendering processes.
Key elements include how contracts are advertised, how bids are evaluated and how disputes are resolved. Framework agreements and dynamic purchasing systems are common tools used by Exeter authorities to manage repeated or ongoing needs. For suppliers, understanding these processes helps you bid effectively and protect your rights if something goes wrong.
In practice, procurement rules are enforced through a combination of statute and regulation, plus official guidance. The Public Contracts Regulations and related rules set the baseline, while authorities like Exeter City Council publish procurement calendars, tender notices and debrief information that explain decision reasons. When problems arise, bidders can potentially challenge awards or seek remedies within defined time limits.
Practical tip for residents: use official portals to monitor opportunities in Exeter and the wider Devon region. Public tenders above certain thresholds are published on national portals, while council pages list local opportunities and terms you must meet to participate. Staying current on these channels helps avoid missed bids and misinterpretations of the rules.
Working with Government contracts in Exeter often requires precise compliance with procurement law and contract terms. A solicitor or legal counsel can help you identify risks, safeguard your rights and manage disputes efficiently. Below are real‑world scenarios that illustrate when legal support can be crucial.
Scenario 1: You submitted a bid for a street cleaning and maintenance contract advertised by Exeter City Council. After the award, you believe the scoring criteria were misapplied or the process breached PCR 2015 requirements. A lawyer can review the tender documentation, advise on remedies and help you navigate the standstill period before any challenge.
Scenario 2: Your Devon based SME won a framework agreement for IT services but the award letter restricts deployment timelines unreasonably. You need to assess the contract terms, ensure they align with procurement rules and negotiate reasonable start dates while preserving your rights to any remedy if terms are unfair.
Scenario 3: You are a subcontractor on a government project in Exeter and encounter late payment or disputed variations from the main contractor. A solicitor can review the prime contract, verify payment terms under the public procurement regime and help recover sums due under the supply chain.
Scenario 4: A public sector body highlights social value in the evaluation process. You suspect the weighting or evidence requirements were not applied consistently. A legal adviser can help you obtain debrief information, challenge potential non compliance and preserve your eligibility for future tenders.
Scenario 5: You are a charity or small housing association collaborating with Exeter authorities on a redevelopment or service contract. You need to ensure the procurement process respects statutory duties, including fairness, transparency and value for money, while protecting reserves and donor expectations.
Scenario 6: You believe a procurement process may have involved anti competitive practices or bias. A lawyer can assess options under the standing rules, assist with remedies and discuss possible referrals to regulatory bodies if warranted.
In each scenario, a solicitor can help with reviewing documentation, advising on remedies such as re bidding, debrief requests and, when appropriate, initiating a challenge in court. They can also help with contract redlining, negotiating terms and ensuring compliance with social value and sustainability requirements that are increasingly embedded in public procurements.
Practical note: in Exeter and across England, procurement disputes frequently involve the remedies and standstill periods specified in the relevant regulations. An experienced Government contracts solicitor can outline a realistic timetable for review, potential challenges and the likelihood of success based on current practice.
The Exeter procurement landscape is shaped by national laws that apply across England, with local authorities implementing them in local tenders. Here are 2-3 key statutes and regulations that govern Government contracts in Exeter.
Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/102) - These regulations implement EU procurement directives into UK law and continue to apply in the UK post‑Brexit as amended versions. They cover advertising thresholds, open and restricted bidding processes, selection and award criteria, and remedies. They apply to contracts for works, supplies and services above specified values and set rules for tender evaluation and standstill periods. For current text and amendments, see legislation.gov.uk.
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 - This Act requires contracting authorities to consider social, environmental and economic value when procuring services. It aims to embed broader societal goals into public procurement decisions. The Act applies to service contracts and can influence bid evaluation and contract terms. The legislation is publicly accessible on legislation.gov.uk.
Concessions Contracts Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/273) - These regulations govern concession contracts where the awarding authority provides the right to exploit a public service and receive reward under a concession model. They complement PCR 2015 for concession style procurements and are relevant to certain infrastructure or service projects in Exeter that use concession arrangements. See legislation.gov.uk for the official text.
Practical note: England also uses national procurement portals for notices and tenders. The Find a Tender Service is the official UK portal for public sector procurements above threshold values. It is the primary tool for suppliers to locate opportunities and submit bids. See GOV.UK for guidance on using Find a Tender Service.
Recent developments to watch include ongoing updates to how public bodies report and evaluate social value, and adjustments to procurement thresholds and procedures as government policy evolves. Always check the current versions of PCR 2015, the Social Value Act and related regulations on legislation.gov.uk, and review the latest guidance on GOV.UK.
Source: GOV.UK - Find a Tender Service provides the official portal for UK public sector procurement above the threshold values.
Source: Legislation.gov.uk - Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 establish the core EU aligned framework and social value obligations in English procurement.
A public contract is a contract with a public sector body to provide works, supplies or services. It must follow rules on advertising, bidding and award if above the relevant thresholds.
Check the tender notices published by Exeter City Council or Devon County Council and verify you meet the selection criteria, capabilities and experience required for the contract.
The standstill period gives unsuccessful bidders time to review the award decision. It typically lasts at least 10 calendar days and can be longer if specified in the notice.
A debrief explains why your bid was not successful and how you can improve future submissions. It helps you understand evaluation criteria and potential grounds for a challenge.
While not mandatory, a solicitor experienced in public procurement can help tailor bids, interpret terms and ensure compliance with PCR 2015 and related rules.
Public procurement values above the applicable financial thresholds trigger the regulated process. Thresholds are updated periodically and published by government sources.
A framework agreement sets terms for purchase over a period. Individual call offs are then conducted under the framework, often using a simplified process compared to a fresh tender.
A DPS is an electronic, dynamic system that suppliers can join at any time. It enables quick calls for quotes or bids for multiple contracts within a pre approved framework.
Document your concerns promptly, request debrief information, and consider seeking early legal advice. Remedies may include challenges or remedies under the PCR 2015 framework.
Yes, contracts often include social value considerations under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. Authorities may award weight to factors like local employment, apprenticeships and environmental impact.
Yes. Subscribe to official tender portals to receive notifications of new opportunities that match your business profile and capabilities.
Generally, yes. Bids are typically restricted to legitimate businesses with a valid company status and relevant qualifications, as required by the tender documents.
Find a Tender Service (FTS) - The official UK portal for public sector procurement above the threshold. It provides tender notices, contract documents and award information. Find a Tender Service.
Exeter City Council Procurement - Local procurement portal for Exeter opportunities, frameworks and contract notices published by the council. Exeter City Council.
Legislation.gov.uk - Official source for UK legislation including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. Legislation.gov.uk.
