Adapting to new rules and rising expectations
The challenge
The Procurement Act should now be in full force: simplified procedures, transparent pipelines and requirements, better market engagement, stronger emphasis on social value, and so on. For bidders, the challenge is adapting quickly to new formats and award criteria while maintaining compliance and competitiveness. But are these things really happening? The answer is sort of. We're seeing some evidence of the impact of the Act kicking in, but it has been far from transformational.Overcoming the challenge
The Act consolidates procedures into a single "Competitive Flexible" process, giving contracting authorities more freedom in how tenders are run. This means bidders must prepare for multi-stage negotiations and outcome-based specifications. We expect the impact of this to start to be felt as we move into 2026 and buyers start to take advantage of the new levels of choice.
Social value is no longer a tick-box exercise - it's a decisive factor. We've seen this for a while now, but the emphasis will deepen as we move into 2026. Public tenders now routinely allocate 10%. That's where you can win or lose. Looking forward the percentage may well start to creep up to as much as 20% - perhaps covering a combination of social impact, sustainability, and innovation. Do bidders have the internal expertise in hand to show real understanding and leadership in these areas, combined with the commercial and operational know-how to make sure solutions can be delivered? We're not convinced all organisations are prepared.
Large contracts require mandatory KPIs and performance reporting, with results published for transparency. Underperformance could land suppliers on a debarment list, excluding them from future opportunities. Are bidders prepared with their lists of what KPIs they'd be happy to be publicly measured on... and which they wouldn't?
What we expect in 2026:
Next year, all new public tenders will operate under the Act. Buyers will experiment with flexible procedures, and we'll see more emphasis on SME inclusion and innovation. Expect tenders to ask for measurable social value commitments and detailed delivery plans. Private sector procurement will mirror these trends, with ESG considerations becoming standard. As we said above - "are you ready?"Looking ahead to 2027:
By 2027, supplier performance data will be fully integrated into evaluations. Reputation will matter as much as price. Outcome-based contracting will grow, requiring proposals that demonstrate adaptability and long-term value. Bidders who fail to align with these expectations risk being left behind. As you gear up for these shifts, consider how your organisation can proactively adapt its approach to anticipate not only regulatory compliance but also the broader expectations shaping the future of procurement.
Tip for success:
Build a strong reputation:
Make sure your bid, sales and marketing strategies are synchronised. For example, track and communicate your delivery successes to strengthen your organisation's track record. Positive performance underpins future opportunities as reputation becomes increasingly influential in evaluations.
How we can help
At Strategic Proposals, we help clients:
Understand and apply the new Procurement Act requirements
Craft compelling social value narratives that score highly
Design proposals that meet transparency and KPI obligations
Train teams to adapt to flexible procedures and outcome-based contracting