Relief for Public Sector Suppliers
CPD have issued a new Procurement Guidance Note (PGN 01/20) to
all bodies subject to NI Public Procurement Policy with effect from
25th March 2020 setting out how contracting authorities in Northern
Ireland may amend payment provisions in contracts or consider other
contractual relief in order to assist at-risk contractors to combat
the impact of COVID-19.
This relief is intended to ensure that normal service delivery
can be resumed once the outbreak is over by ensuring that
contractors can retain staff, maintain supply chains and continue
to be financially viable.
Urgent Payment
Contracting authorities must pay all contractors as a matter of
urgency as soon as invoices are received, even where services are
reduced or paused, however contractors should not expect to make a
profit on any undelivered contractual obligations. Payment of
relief should override performance, force majeure, frustration and
business continuity
