Procurement Policy Note 12/15
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Procurement policy notes (PPN) offer supporting information about public procurement processes.The Consultancy playbook, Government guidance on how to commission and engage with consultants more effectively, achieving better outcomes, better value for money and improved civil service capability through the transfer of knowledge and skills was published in May 2021. It suggests readers ‘...consult PPN 12/15 Availability of Procurement Procedures (Decision Tree), which outlines Cabinet Office policy on the choice of procurement routes and the rationale supporting them’.
For more information see: The Consultancy Playbook.
[edit] Procurement route changes in 2015
Published in July 2015 by the Crown Commercial Service and the Cabinet Office, PPN 12/15 offers guidance regarding changes to the choices of procurement routes resulting from the adoption of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015). It also sets out the general policy expectations on procurement that continue to apply.
PPN 12/15 does not change general policy expectations on procurement for:
- Principles of lean sourcing for procurement above the relevant threshold.
- Procurement timelines no longer than 120 working days (other than in cases of complex procurements).
[edit] Decision Tree
The information in this PPN applies to in-scope organisations (all central government departments including their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies). Its use is optional for other contracting authorities (such as those in local government and the wider public sector).
Annex A of the PPN is a revised Decision Tree. This diagram maps the various options of in-scope organisations and indicates a preference for the open procedure as the normal route. Other procedures are shown as exceptions to be used under certain conditions. These include:
- Restricted Procedure.
- Dynamic Purchasing System.
- Competitive Procedure with Negotiation.
- Competitive Dialogue.
- Light Touch Regime.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Consultancy playbook.
- Crown Commercial Service CCS.
- Non-departmental public bodies.
- OJEU procurement procedures.
- Procurement policy note PPN.
- Public procurement.
- The Construction Playbook.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.


























