Introduction -
A ‘level playing-field’

What is this decision support tool (DST) for? | How to use this decision support tool (DST) | General Principles | Applying the general principles | A ‘level playing-field’ | The design process     

Public bodies should at all times follow public procurement policy policy, based on value for money, and the EU procurement rules which exist to ensure all providers can compete for contracts on an equal basis. This means that procurement practices should not involve preferential treatment for third sector organisations. Equally, it is important to ensure that third sector organisations engaging in public service delivery are aware of the procurement opportunities, how the procurement rules apply, and that there are no barriers to participation [Footnote 1].  
 

Notes

1. [back from footnote 1] These issues are discussed further in chapter 22 of Government Accounting and in the Office of Government Commerce’s procurement policy web-pages, at http://www.ogc.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1000084.