Contentious procurement

At Browne Jacobson, we have some of the best, most specialist lawyers advising and acting for contracting authorities and bidders in relation to challenges to public procurement processes. 

We offer a unified service on all aspects of complex procurement issues to clients, including NHS England, Homes England and over 200 local authorities. 

Our specialists have a proven track record for managing complex claims and guiding clients through all aspects of a procurement challenge. We are your go-to advisers in matters involving contentious procurement. No problem is too big or too small. We’re known for our adaptable, practical approach, as well as our focus on commercial results.  

We’re proud to have our fingers on the pulse when it comes to: 

• drafting and reviewing tender documents and award evaluation criteria to identify any flaws in the procurement process. 
• advising clients on the risk of a successful challenge to a newly awarded public contract. 
• inviting contracting authorities to rerun tender processes when a flaw has been identified. 
• advising contracting authorities on the risks associated with abandoning a procurement process.  
• making or resisting pre-action requests for disclosure or further information.  
• bringing or defending judicial review proceedings alongside a procurement challenge. 
• advising successful bidders on their rights and options in connection with intervening in judicial proceedings when a challenge has been brought by an unsuccessful bidder.  
• advising contracting authorities on whether to apply to lift the automatic suspension and resisting such applications when acting for the challenger.  
• reducing the resource burden on contracting authorities regarding disclosure and the preparation of witness statements.  
• protecting confidential material by establishing confidentiality rings.  
• achieving settled outcomes to avoid costly litigation.