Public authorities have often not been effective in engaging with markets and potential suppliers, and government has not provided clear guidance on how to meet requirements to treat suppliers equally while best supporting value for money. Departments and other public bodies often take an overly cautious approach to engagement and are not always clear on how to understand the markets and suppliers they buy from. Engaging with potential suppliers throughout the commercial lifecycle can help de...

Public authorities have often not been effective in engaging with markets and potential suppliers, and government has not provided clear guidance on how to meet requirements to treat suppliers equally while best supporting value for money. Departments and other public bodies often take an overly cautious approach to engagement and are not always clear on how to understand the markets and suppliers they buy from. Engaging with potential suppliers throughout the commercial lifecycle can help departments and other public bodies understand what the markets can provide, while providing suppliers with an opportunity to 6 Competition in public procu Type: recommendation | Number: 2 | Response status: accepted Government response: The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation Recommendation implemented The Sourcing Playbook, published in 2019 and revised annually, sets out best practice on service delivery, insourcing, outsourcing, mixed economy sourcing and contracting. This inc