Public Procurement

To the forefront of public procurement for over two decades.

Procurement is of huge importance to all public bodies, utilities and a vast number of private entities. Navigating compliance with value for money and good outcomes is key.

For many companies, in particular SMEs, winning government contracts is their lifeblood. For the public sector, successfully running complex or large procurement processes is of vital importance to their organisation. Not only is it essential to delivering value for money to the tax payer, but procurement is now also a tool for government policy including job creation, energy efficiency and training. Non-compliance with procurement rules by public bodies not only brings the risk of legal challenge, but also brings the risk of criticism from the Comptroller and Auditor General or, in some case where European funding has been provided, it can result in a requirement to repay funds provided by European Institutions.

Philip Lee has been to the forefront of public procurement for over two decades and has advised public bodies in over 500 public procurement processes.

Equally, we have advised hundreds of private sector companies seeking to tender or who have been unsuccessful in tenders. We have represented clients before domestic courts, the European Commission and before the European Court of Justice. We have helped develop the law in several of the leading decisions issued by the European Court of Justice.

Clients come to us for our in-depth understanding of the international and domestic procurement rules. Bidders come to us knowing we will help them ensure there is a fair result in tendering procedures in which they have been involved.

The firm has advised on the tender procedures for works, supplies and services contracts in a wide range of sectors, including local authority, health, waste, education, marine, tourism, social housing and transport. On a number of occasions, we have argued the interpretation of the relevant EU Directives in the European Court of Justice as well as in the Irish courts. Our expertise and depth of experience enables us to design robust and innovative competitive tendering procedures that are resistant to challenge.

Key areas where clients seek our advice:

  • appropriate overall procurement strategies and procedures
  • preparation of OJEU notices and all tender documentation including framework agreements
  • the selection of a preferred bidder and debriefing unsuccessful candidates
  • challenging and defending contract awards

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They do not limit themselves to answering the questions asked, but also suggest – and comprehensively answer, the questions that we as clients should be asking.
Legal 500, 2023
Philip Lee “has led the market in public sector procurement for decades and continues to advise a range of public sector entities along with big-name domestic and international corporates.”
Legal 500, 2022
Approachable, pragmatic and solutions-driven.
Chambers Eurpoe, 2021
They do not limit themselves to answering the questions asked, but also suggest – and comprehensively answer, the questions that we as clients should be asking.
Legal 500, 2023
The knowledge and experience that Philip Lee has of EU procurement and associated legislative requirements is invaluable when procuring contracts as this minimises the risk to the procurement process. Philip Lee continues to push the procurement boundaries by leading collaborative contracting arrangements and looking to incorporate sustainability and efficiencies into the procurement and contractual processes.
Legal 500, 2024

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