Losing a public sector bid you believe you should have won is frustrating — but UK procurement law gives suppliers real rights to challenge a decision. The key is acting fast and understanding the process before the window closes.
The standstill period
After a contracting authority notifies bidders of its award decision, a mandatory standstill period (usually 10 calendar days) applies before the contract can be signed. This is your window to request feedback and, if necessary, raise a challenge. Use it — once the contract is signed, your remedies shrink dramatically.
Ask for a proper debrief
You are entitled to the reasons for the decision, including the characteristics and relative advantages of the winning bid and your scores against each criterion. A weak or inconsistent debrief is often the first sign of a flawed evaluation.
Grounds for challenge
Common grounds include manifest errors in scoring, undisclosed or misapplied award criteria, and breaches of the duties of equal treatment and transparency. Challenges are made in the High Court and are time-limited — generally 30 days from when you knew or ought to have known of the breach. Take specialist legal advice quickly; this article is guidance, not legal advice.