Five ways Bloom aligns with the Procurement Act
Introduction
The Procurement Act 2023, effective from 24th February 2025, aims to reform public procurement processes in the UK following Brexit, replacing regulations derived from the EU. One significant change is consolidating various regulations into a single, streamlined framework.
The aim is to simplify and improve the procurement process, making it more transparent, efficient, and accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs).
The increased emphasis on procurement efficiency and transparency includes introducing a centralised digital platform for procurement data. This platform will provide better visibility of project pipelines, enforce stricter reporting requirements, and require the disclosure of contract awards and modifications.
The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS), released on 12th February 2025
The NPPS sets out the government's strategic priorities for public procurement and went into effect simultaneously with the Procurement Act 2023.
The NPPS advocates for a more inclusive approach, making it more straightforward for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) to compete for public contracts. This initiative aims to create high-quality jobs and spark innovation.
In fact, 71% of the contracts awarded by Bloom have gone to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), demonstrating our commitment to promoting SME-friendly procurement on a broader scale.
Effects of PA23 on Buyers and Suppliers
Buyers must stay informed about the key changes that will impact their procurement practices.
The procurement challenge process is also being improved for greater efficiency and proportionate responses, thereby reducing legal risks for buyers. Also the Act enables the transitioning from rigid EU-style procedures to a new, competitive, flexible procedure, allowing buyers to customise procurements according to their specific needs.
For suppliers the Act enhances prequalification and supplier exclusion rules by establishing a more rigorous debarment system to eliminate underperforming or high-risk suppliers throughout the public sector. New grounds for exclusion include factors related to national security, human rights, and corruption.
Performance tracking will increasingly influence procurement decisions, facilitating the exclusion of underperforming suppliers.
A renewed commitment to social value.
There is a renewed focus on social value and national priorities, which requires procurement processes to align with UK policy objectives like supporting local economies, promoting sustainability, and enhancing social value. Additionally, post-award contract management is a crucial area of reform, featuring stronger monitoring requirements to ensure that suppliers fulfill their obligations.
Bloom Procurement Services is fully aligned with the Procurement Act 2023.
Here are the five ways Bloom aligns with the Procurement Act 2023, creating a seamless synergy.
- PA23 aims to simplify public procurements into a single, efficient framework
Bloom’s NEPRO³ solution operates within a fully compliant, structured, and efficient procurement process while minimising unnecessary administrative burdens, enhancing clarity and reducing complexity. This framework offers a compliant and efficient way for public sector organisations to procure professional services, directly aligning with the NPPS's strategic priorities.
- PA23 offers greater transparency in public procurements
Bloom’s managed service, powered by our unique technology platform, provides real-time project tracking.
- PA23 introduces a competitive flexibility procedure
Bloom facilitates an agile procurement process, enabling buyers to tailor procurements to their specific needs and to swiftly access pre-approved suppliers while ensuring compliance.
- PA23 reinforces the importance of social value
Bloom’s procurement strategy is already outcomes-focused, integrating social value into every procurement process to promote local economic growth, sustainability, and community benefits in alignment with government objectives.
- PA23 ensures tracking supplier performance and contract management post-award
Bloom’s outcomes-based approach allows public sector organisations to monitor, assess, and hold suppliers accountable, thereby reducing risk and enhancing service standards.
Understanding how the NEPRO3 Framework fits into this new landscape.
A significant aspect of this new legislation is that frameworks must be awarded by a Centralised Procurement Authority (CPA) to ensure compliance, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.
The NEPRO3 framework, managed by NEPO and delivered by Bloom, is distinctly positioned in this evolving landscape. As a recognised Centralised Procurement Authority, NEPO ensures that NEPRO meets this vital requirement of the new Act, providing contracting authorities with complete confidence in their procurement strategies.
For over ten years, NEPRO has facilitated the efficient procurement of professional services for public sector organisations while ensuring adherence to procurement regulations. This distinction protects buyers and promotes best practices in public sector procurement.
As organisations adapt to the new procurement framework requirements, opting for a fully compliant, CPA-awarded solution like NEPRO is increasingly essential.
By weaving together compliance, transparency, flexibility, and social value in our managed service, Bloom, through the NEPRO³ framework, is fully aligned with the Procurement Act 2023. This alignment establishes us as a trusted and forward-thinking procurement partner for public sector buyers.
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