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What Is a Contracting Authority?
The public body that runs the procurement and signs the contract — central government, local authorities and bodies governed by public law.
Who counts as a contracting authority?
Central government departments, local authorities, NHS bodies and other public bodies, as well as organisations mainly funded or controlled by the public sector.
What duties does a contracting authority have?
To follow the procurement objectives, run fair procedures, publish the required notices and treat suppliers equally.
What is the difference between a contracting authority and a buyer?
In practice they are often the same thing. Contracting authority is the legal term used in the Procurement Act 2023.
