Best Government Contract Lawyers in Havant

About Government Contract Law in Havant, United Kingdom

Public sector procurement in Havant follows England and United Kingdom law. The core framework is formed by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, as amended, and the more recent Procurement Act 2023. Local authorities in Havant, such as Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, buy goods, services and works under these rules through formal tendering processes.

The procurement cycle typically includes need planning, advertising, bidding, contract award, and contract management. Opportunities for Havant suppliers are commonly published on the Find a Tender Service, which is the official government portal for contract notices above certain thresholds.

Understanding the rules helps you protect your rights if you bid or enter a public sector contract. If something goes wrong, you may have remedies or grounds to challenge a decision, including prior or post award stages depending on the circumstances.

Find a Tender Service is the UK government portal for public sector contract notices above the relevant thresholds.

Source: Find a Tender Service

Why You May Need a Lawyer

If you operate in Havant or the wider Hampshire area, you may need a solicitor or legal counsel for specific procurement situations. Here are concrete, real-world scenarios that commonly involve Government Contract law in Havant:

• A Havant-based IT services firm is disqualified from a council tender due to an alleged error in the bid submission. You need a solicitor to review the bidding documents, identify procedural flaws, and determine if a remedy is available.
• Your company believes a Hampshire or Havant council scoring decision was biased or misapplied. A lawyer can help with a procurement challenge, including necessary evidence and timelines for a standstill or remedies.
• A Havant supplier is asked to sign a long-term contract with onerous terms after a framework award. You need counsel to negotiate terms, ensure compliance, and protect your rights if performance issues arise.
• You operate a local charity in Havant delivering a public-funded project. You require guidance on social value requirements and grant conditions to avoid breach and maximize fund use.
• You want to respond to a change order or contract amendment from a Havant or Hampshire public body. A solicitor can interpret the amendment, assess cost implications, and preserve options for dispute resolution.
• You are preparing to bid for a major county contract that Exeter, Portsmouth, or Havant authorities may release via Find a Tender Service. You need strategic legal advice on tender strategy and compliance.

Local Laws Overview

Public procurement in Havant is governed by several key statutes and regulations. The most central are the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (as amended) for England, alongside the Procurement Act 2023, which modernises and consolidates public procurement rules. These laws shape how opportunities are advertised, how contracts are awarded, and what remedies exist for bidders.

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires authorities to consider social value when procuring public services. This can influence tender criteria, scoring, and contract conditions in Havant projects related to community benefits.

Public procurement opportunities above the relevant thresholds are published on the Find a Tender Service, the government portal for tender notices. This portal is an essential resource for Havant suppliers seeking to bid for public contracts.

Under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, procurement procedures in England include a standstill period before award to allow remedies to be considered.

Source: Public Contracts Regulations 2015

The Procurement Act 2023 introduces new approaches to dynamic market access and procurement procedures in the UK.

Source: Procurement Act 2023

Public sector procurement notices in the UK are now primarily published through the Find a Tender Service (FTS).

Source: Find a Tender Service guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a public contract in Havant?

A public contract is an agreement with a public body to supply goods, services or works. It follows formal tendering and award processes under PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. The goal is fair competition and value for money.

For more details, see the Find a Tender Service and gov.uk guidance on public procurement.

What is the standstill period after a contract award?

The standstill period typically lasts at least 10 calendar days. It allows unsuccessful bidders to challenge the decision before the contract becomes binding. This period is a key remedy window in English procurement law.

Details are set out in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and related guidance on gov.uk.

What is a PQQ and why is it important in Havant tenders?

A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) helps authorities filter bidders before issuing ITTs. A well-prepared PQQ reduces disqualification risk and clarifies capability, compliance and financial standing requirements.

Understanding the PQQ helps you prepare robust bids and avoid disqualification.

How long does a typical Havant tender process take?

Timeline varies by contract value and complexity. A common path is 4 to 12 weeks from tender invitation to submission, plus a standstill period after award. Larger projects may exceed this range.

Accurate timing depends on the specific opportunity and framework used.

Do I need to be a Havant-based business to win council contracts?

Not necessarily. Public contracts favor value and capability, not location alone. Local presence can help with supplier diversity requirements and local benefits, but national bidders can compete where they meet criteria.

Check the tender documents for any locality or supplier criteria.

What is a PQQ and how should I respond?

A PQQ assesses your organisation’s capability and compliance. Respond clearly with evidence of financial stability, performance history, and relevant certifications. Poor responses can exclude you from ITT stages.

Seek advice if you are unsure how to demonstrate capability in Havant opportunities.

How much can legal costs be for procurement issues in Havant?

Legal costs vary by complexity and hours required. A typical procurement issue may range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of pounds for full advisory support through an entire bid or challenge process.

Discuss fee structures and cap options with a solicitor before engaging.

Can I challenge a contract award decision in Havant?

Yes, you can seek remedies if there is evidence of non-compliance, unequal treatment, or breach of procurement rules. Remedies can include a review, re-tender, or damages, depending on the case.

Timely action is crucial due to standstill deadlines and court timeframes.

Should I sign a contract with a standstill clause?

A standstill clause protects against premature binding and preserves remedies in case of challenges. You should review such clauses with a lawyer to ensure you understand your rights and obligations.

Legal counsel can negotiate terms to balance risk and protection.

Is social value mandatory for Havant procurement?

Social value considerations are encouraged under the Social Value Act 2012. Public bodies may assess social, environmental and economic benefits when awarding contracts. This is not a blanket requirement and depends on the contract and criteria published in the tender documents.

Consult your solicitor on how social value criteria may affect your bid.

How do I start bidding on Find a Tender Service from Havant?

First, register on the Find a Tender Service and set up alert preferences for relevant contract opportunities. Then review the tender documents, prepare required evidence, and submit before deadlines.

Consider engaging a procurement solicitor early to align your bid with all requirements.

Additional Resources

• Crown Commercial Service (CCS) - Official UK government body that runs national procurement frameworks and provides contracting guidance to public bodies and suppliers. Website: crowncommercial.gov.uk
• Find a Tender Service (FTS) - Government portal for public sector contract notices above thresholds. Website: find-tender.service.gov.uk
• Legislation.gov.uk - Official texts of Public Contracts Regulations 2015, Procurement Act 2023 and related procurement laws. Website: legislation.gov.uk

Next Steps

1. Identify your target Havant or Hampshire procurement opportunities that match your capabilities. Set up Find a Tender Service alerts for relevant categories.
2. Gather internal documents now. Collect financial statements, certifications, and past performance evidence to support bid requirements.
3. Consult a Government Contracts lawyer for a 60-minute intake to review your capabilities, risks, and strategy. Get a written engagement plan and fee estimate.
4. Prepare your tender response with a focus on compliance, value for money, and any required social value criteria. Schedule a review with your solicitor before submission.
5. Submit before the deadline and confirm receipt. Track communications and respond promptly to clarifications.
6. If unsuccessful, discuss remedies with your solicitor within the standstill period or pursue a judicial review if there is a procedural irregularity.
7. After award, execute the contract with a lawyer’s review to confirm risk allocation, change control and performance obligations are clear.