How to buy through direct award

What is direct award?

A direct award is when you place an order for goods or services directly with a supplier without running a further competition.

You can use a selection process to identify a specific supplier who is capable of providing you with the best value and place an order directly with them.

Each framework will have a process to help you objectively select a suitable supplier.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, direct award is replaced by award without competition.

Who can buy through direct award?

You can only buy through direct award if:

  • your organisation’s internal policy allows direct award as a way to buy
  • the agreement you are buying from accepts direct award as a way to buy (check the agreement’s buyer guide)
  • you are buying from an agreement that uses the Public Contract Regulations 2015

What is the buying process for direct award?

The buying process for direct award will vary depending on the type of agreement you are using. It can include:

  • evaluation processes: a catalogue process where you evaluate product or service descriptions against pre-defined criteria before making a selection 
  • restricted elements: a catalogue which has a list of suppliers against each product, including an automated supplier selection based on criteria such as price, which restricts you to buying from the supplier that meets the selection criteria 
  • unrestricted but advisory elements: a recommendation is made by the catalogue to choose a supplier by set criteria, such as cheapest price, but this is not mandatory and you can choose to override the recommendation

The frameworks’s buyer guide will include the direct award process for that framework in more detail.

You will find the buyer guide in the document section of the agreement’s webpage.

When is direct award not suitable?

A direct award may not be suitable for:

1. Commercial agreements that use the Procurement Act 2023

If you are buying from an agreement that uses procurement act 2023, use either award with competition or award without competition.

2. Large or complex needs

If you have a large or complex requirement or if you are unable to distinguish a most suitable supplier for your needs, you should consider running a further competition.

3. Bundled commodity items

If you are planning to bundle commodity items together and may expect a discount from the retail price due to the volume of items you are buying, consider buying through aggregation or one of our catalogues.

4. Organisations who do not allow direct award

If your internal policy does not allow you to buy through direct award, you can use either award with competition or further competition.

How long does direct award take?

How long a direct award takes will depend on the types of goods or services you need. Common goods that are held in stock usually have short supply times.

Some agreements allow you to complete pre-engagement with the supplier to clarify specifications. If required, this would usually take 2 to 3 days to complete.

What can you buy through direct award?

You can use direct award to buy a variety of common, non complex goods and services. Some examples of what you can buy include:

  • general supplies such as office supplies, furniture or equipment
  • technology such as laptops or hardware or software licenses
  • construction materials and building supplies
  • professional services such as legal advice or project management and consultancy
  • IT support
  • travel management solutions
  • workforce solutions such as staffing 
  • translation and print services
  • food and facilities management

Find a commercial agreement that can meet your needs.

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