birketts – Public procurement: a costly reminder of the importance of getting it right

In May of 2023, work to repair Parliament’s tallest structure, the Victoria Tower, was put out to tender with an estimated contract value of £95M. In April 2024, it was revealed that the tender process was flawed and would have to be started again while bidders had incurred costs. A further tender notice has since been published in June 2024.

The likely significant costs that have been incurred from the first tender, together with the time delays subsequently incurred, provide a salutary reminder of the importance of complying with the requirements of the Public Contract Regulations 2015, ensuring the correct documents are provided, and the process is followed.