What is the competitive flexible procedure?
The competitive flexible procedure is a procurement route introduced by the Procurement Act 2023 that lets a contracting authority design its own multi-stage competitive process. It replaces the rigid, named procedures of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 with a single flexible option, alongside the open procedure. The Act came into force on 24 February 2025.
Competitive flexible procedure, explained
The competitive flexible procedure is one of two competitive award routes under the Procurement Act 2023, the other being the open procedure. Rather than forcing buyers to choose from a fixed menu of named procedures, it lets a contracting authority design the number and nature of the stages in its competition, provided the process is proportionate and treats suppliers fairly.
This flexibility means an authority can build in stages such as selection or shortlisting, dialogue or negotiation, refinement of tenders, and final evaluation, in a sequence that suits the complexity of what it is buying. The design must be set out transparently so that suppliers understand how the competition will run and how they will be assessed, with the process described in the tender notice and associated documents.
Under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 buyers had to pick from rigid procedures such as the restricted procedure, competitive procedure with negotiation, competitive dialogue and innovation partnership. The competitive flexible procedure consolidates that flexibility into a single route, giving buyers scope to tailor the process while remaining bound by the Act's core principles of transparency, fairness, non-discrimination and value for money.
Key things to know
A PA23 innovation
It was introduced by the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025.
Design-your-own stages
Buyers set the number and nature of stages, such as selection, dialogue, negotiation and final evaluation.
Replaces rigid procedures
It consolidates the old PCR 2015 named procedures like restricted, competitive dialogue and negotiation into one flexible route.
Transparency required
The chosen process must be described clearly in the tender notice and documents so suppliers know how it will run.
Proportionate and fair
The design must be proportionate to the requirement and treat suppliers equally throughout.
Open procedure remains
It sits alongside the single-stage open procedure, which stays available for simpler requirements.
Explore: What is a tender?, What is MEAT criteria?, What is a standstill period?, eSourcing platform.
How eSourcingData helps
eSourcingData is built for the Procurement Act 2023, so buyers can design and run competitive flexible procedures without wrestling with spreadsheets or legacy templates.
Model any process shape
Configure the stages you need, from selection through dialogue to final evaluation, in one place.
Keep an audit trail
Every stage and decision is recorded, supporting transparency and defensible awards.
Expert guidance
Our procurement specialists help you design a proportionate, compliant process for your requirement.
PA23-native
Templates and notices reflect the new regime rather than PCR 2015 processes.
FAQs
What is the competitive flexible procedure?
The competitive flexible procedure is a route under the Procurement Act 2023 that lets a contracting authority design its own multi-stage competitive process, replacing the rigid named procedures of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The Act came into force on 24 February 2025.
How is it different from PCR 2015 procedures?
PCR 2015 required buyers to choose from fixed procedures such as restricted, competitive dialogue, negotiation and innovation partnership. The competitive flexible procedure lets buyers tailor the number and nature of stages themselves within one flexible route.
What are the two competitive routes under PA23?
The Procurement Act 2023 provides the open procedure, a single-stage route for simpler requirements, and the competitive flexible procedure, which buyers can design to suit more complex needs.
Can buyers negotiate under the competitive flexible procedure?
Yes. Because buyers design the stages, they can build in dialogue or negotiation where it is proportionate, provided the process is set out transparently and suppliers are treated fairly.
When did the Procurement Act 2023 take effect?
The main provisions of the Procurement Act 2023, including the competitive flexible procedure, came into force on 24 February 2025.
Design a compliant flexible competition
See how eSourcingData helps UK buyers run competitive flexible procedures under PA23. Book a demo or request a pilot.