Accelerated debrief in construction procurement
In December 2009, the Public Contracts (Amendments) Regulations 2009 came into force, which implemented the new Remedies Directive. The changes introduced had a significant impact on 'accelerated debrief' procedures which had been a means for tenderers to obtain information about an unsuccessful bid following contract award. From this they would then be able, if they so decided, to issue a challenge to the award.
Public contracting authorities must leave a period of least 10 days between a contract award decision and the formal award of the contract. This is known as the standstill (Alcatel) period. It is a legal requirement for all public contracting authority procurement processes covered by the full scope of the EU Procurement Directives.
The purpose of the standstill is to allow unsuccessful bidders the chance to obtain more information on the award of the contract so they can take appropriate action if they believe they have been unfairly treated. The commencement of the standstill (Alcatel) period is from the date the authority decides to award the contract. The standstill (Alcatel) period will last from 10 to 15 days, depending on the method by which the Alcatel letter is communicated.
The 2009 Remedies Directive removed the provision for an accelerated debrief and replaced it with an obligation for those awarding the contract to provide a more comprehensive statement concerning the reasons for the decision as part of the initial notice. This full debrief information accompanies all Alcatel standstill letters that are sent, not just to those bidders who request it.
Prior to these changes, unsuccessful bidders had to request an accelerated debrief by the end of the second working day of the standstill period. Responses to those requests had to be made within day 3-7 of the standstill period, with any delays resulting in a time extension.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.