Public Procurement Law
Procuring goods and services in the public sector forms a very important part of the economy. In 2006, public contracts accounted for 16% of the gross domestic product within the European Union. After the expansion of the European Union to more than 25 Member States, business opportunities are growing in the internal market. The more lively competition also creates considerable savings potential for public buyers.
However, public procurement remains subject to a complex framework of Community legislation which is constantly amended. Legal advice from specialists in the field on preparing and implementing public tender procedures is indispensable for both the public sector and bidders.
Public contract-awarding bodies especially require a legally sound basis for their tendering procedures in order to efficiently and quickly implement their investment decisions. Bidders, in contrast, seek to increase their chances of a successful tender. Although the rules on public contracts provide for effective legal protection against procedural violations by the public sector, claims have to be asserted within strict time limits. Also, procedural mistakes on the one hand and the abusive exercising of rights on the other may result in claims for damages.
In the UK we have several lawyers with experience in public procurement, particularly with procurement in the context of public-private partnerships. We also have particular expertise in the procurement rules as they apply to businesses spun out from public concerns and have experience dealing with disputes over procurement decisions and making public bodies reconsider decisions.