Key takeaways
New regime has not made procurement feel simpler
Bidders and contracting authorities describe seeing increasing complexity.
Process feels slower, but is a symptom of change
Reports suggest slower pace of procurement is down to change, not dysfunction.
AI usage growing in procurement
Questions remain about how it will be governed and applied.
We recently marked the first anniversary of the Procurement Act by hosting two webinars - one for bidders and one for contracting authorities. Across the two sessions, more than 270 participants joined us to reflect on how the first year has felt in practice. Although the two groups approach procurement from different angles, their experiences over the past year were more aligned than many might expect.
A year of adjustment, not ease
Participants from both groups confirmed that the new regime has not yet made procurement feel simpler. Many bidders described increased complexity in understanding new obligations and updating their bid strategies. Contracting authorities echoed this, noting heavier governance, more documentation, and the need to manage a greater number of notice requirements.
This shared experience suggests that the challenges of the first year have been sector-wide rather than isolated to one part of the market.
Transparency: high value in principle, heavy in practice
One of the Act’s most significant shifts has been the enhanced transparency regime. Contracting authorities are still working to embed the new notice requirements and adjust internal processes, while bidders are navigating how best to interpret and use the information now being published.
The intent behind the transparency reforms is widely supported, but Year One has been largely focused on adapting to the volume and timing of new obligations rather than seeing their longer-term benefits.
Process speed: a natural slowdown during transition
Many contracting authorities reported that procurement has felt slower over the past year, and bidders recognised the same trend. This is a natural consequence of major legislative change. Teams are still refining procedures, updating documentation, and adjusting to higher levels of scrutiny and auditability.
The slowdown is less a sign of dysfunction and more a reflection of a system still settling into a new framework.
AI: growing use accompanied by caution
A large proportion of bidders are now using AI tools to support bid preparation, but concerns remain around accuracy, hallucination risk and confidentiality. Contracting authorities also see potential uses, particularly for quality assurance and document drafting, but are understandably cautious about risk, auditability and governance.
What is clear is that AI has already entered the procurement landscape; the question now is how it will be governed and applied in a way that supports integrity, efficiency and consistency.
Looking ahead
As the regime enters its second year, the aim should be to build confidence, predictability and a more settled operating environment. By this time next year, we hope to be reflecting on a procurement system that feels more stable, with clearer internal processes, more meaningful transparency, smoother timelines and more responsible use of AI across the market. We also hope to see a stronger shared understanding between bidders and contracting authorities, helping reduce friction and improving the overall quality of public procurement.
