Debarment Review Service DRS
The Debarment Review Service (DRS) began operating on February 24, 2025, it was set-up as part of the Procurement Review Unit (PRU), alongside the introduction the Procurement Act 2023 which came into force on the same day. The purpose of the service is to protect public procurement from suppliers that pose risk, by carrying out a centralised process of considering suppliers for possible debarment. The PRU consists of three services:
- Debarment Review Service (DRS): as described above.
- Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS): Introduced in 2011 and focuses on suppliers’ complaints about specific procurement(s) and late payments.
- Procurement Compliance Service (PCS): This service investigates contracting authorities’ compliance with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023 and may issue (and if desired, publish) statutory recommendations to the contracting authority being investigated and/or guidance that applies more generally to contracting authorities following the conclusion of an investigation.
The Act enables the DRS to undertake investigations of suppliers (on behalf of a Minister of the Crown) to establish whether they are an excluded or excludable* supplier for the purpose of subsequently considering whether the supplier should be added to the debarment list. The decision to add a supplier to the debarment list can only be taken by a Minister of the Crown.
The DRS may investigate suppliers in relation to all exclusion grounds, except the two national security-related exclusion grounds (para 35 of Schedule 6 and para 14 of Schedule 7). The National Security Unit for Procurement (NSUP) has the remit of investigating suppliers in relation to the two national security-related grounds.
For further information see the Government guidance on the Procurement Review Unit here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Best value procurement.
- Common minimum standards.
- Critical service contracts.
- Critical suppliers.
- Crown Commercial Service CCS.
- Crown Representative.
- Dynamic purchasing system under the Single Procurement Document (Scotland).
- Exclusion grounds under the Single Procurement Document (Scotland).
- Fair payment practices.
- Green public procurement.
- Infrastructure and Projects Authority.
- Integrated Supply Team.
- Management Consultancy Framework MCF.
- Managing the procurement process.
- Major Projects Authority.
- Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT).
- National Infrastructure Plan.
- Output-based specification.
- Procurement Act 2023.
- Procurement Compliance Service PCS.
- Procurement Policy Note 12/15.
- Procurement policy note PPN.
- Procurement route.
- Public.
- Public body.
- Public contract.
- Public procurement.
- Public Procurement Review Service PPRS.
- Public project definition.
- Public sector dependent suppliers.
- Publicly subsidised project.
- Restricted procedure under the Single Procurement Document (Scotland).
- SMEs and government contracts.
- Sourcing playbook.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).