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What Is a Standstill Period?
A mandatory pause — at least eight working days — between publishing the contract award notice and signing the contract.
How long is the standstill period?
At least eight working days, starting when the contract award notice is published.
Why does standstill exist?
To give suppliers time to review their assessment summary and challenge the award before the contract is signed. Once the contract is in place, the options are much more limited.
Does standstill always apply?
It is mandatory for most above-threshold awards, with some exceptions, such as certain urgent direct awards and call-offs from frameworks, where buyers can apply it voluntarily.
