This document sets out key timescales relating to the competitive tendering procedures under the Procurement Act 2023. Please note that it is only applicable for procurements that are commenced on or after 24 February 2025; for procurements commenced before 24 February 2025, the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 will instead apply.
The overriding requirement when setting timescales is to allow sufficient time for suppliers to prepare appropriate responses, taking account of the subject of the proposed contract, the contract award procedure to be used and the need, for example, for site visits.
The document sets out the minimum permitted timescales and the maximum permitted reductions. You must also take into consideration the general rules around setting of time limits that are set out at section 54 of the Procurement Act 2023.
An appropriate time period will also need to be allocated for other aspects of the procurement process, eg evaluation of tender responses.
The Cabinet Office has provided guidance on Time Periods under the Procurement Act 2023 here.