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Procurement Act - what it means for bidders in 2026

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The UK's procurement rules are reshaping bidding. But the impact of the potential major changes has been slow. Here's our views on how things may evolve as we move into 2026.

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:

Social value: 
If you're not already doing so, build social value into your bid strategy early. Use clear metrics, case studies, and evidence to show how you deliver impact beyond cost.
Prepare for flexible procedures: 
Anticipate multi-stage and negotiated processes by ensuring your bid teams are comfortable with responding to outcome-based specifications and can adapt proposals as requirements evolve. Bring teams together to brief them on the changes before they are thrown into the next opportunity.
Demonstrate KPI readiness:
Proactively identify the performance indicators you are willing to be measured on and develop robust reporting mechanisms. Be transparent about your strengths and address any areas where improvements are planned.

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


The Procurement Act is changing the game – are you ready? To learn how to win under the new rules, contact our experts on 0800 0096800 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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