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
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.