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Buyers guide

This guide is for anyone involved in procuring primary care IT products. 

Date Published:
19 March 2026

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Pre procurement tasks
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Purpose of this guide

This guide will help those procuring primary care software and solutions to understand:

  • what activities you need to do before you start a procurement
  • what activities you need to do to run a procurement competition
  • what capabilities, epics and standards are and how these will help you define your business needs
  • the different procurement routes and when to use them
  • the step by step process that will take you through your chosen procurement route
  • how to place an order using the Buying Catalogue
  • who you should talk to if you encounter issues when procuring solutions and services

 

Overview of procurement steps

Breaking things down into steps will make the procurement process easier to understand. 

1. Pre procurement tasks

Prior to a procurement there are tasks that need to be completed. 

For more information go to pre procurement tasks page. 

2. Choosing a procurement route

There are 3 routes you may be able to take for your procurement. See which one is suitable for you and follow the link for more information.

For more information go to choosing a procurement route

3. Direct award

Direct awards are contracts awarded without running a full competitive process. You choose your supplier and award them the contract. 

For more information go to direct award page.

4. Running a direct award

This section outlines the process for running a direct award. It explains what you need to consider and provide for each stage of the process.

For more information go to the running a direct award page.

5. On catalogue competitions

If your budget is under £250,000 you can carry out an on catalogue competition.  It requires you to follow the pre procurement tasks, but there is no invitation to tender at the end. The competitive procedure is done on the buying catalogue.

This can take as little as a few days for simple procurements.

For more information go to on catalogue competitions page.

6. Running an on catalogue competition

This section outlines the process for running an on-catalogue competition. It explains what you need to consider and provides information for each stage of the competition.

For more information go to running an on catalogue competition.

7. Off catalogue competitions

If your budget is over £250,000 you will need to carry out an off catalogue competition. This route is suitable for procuring foundation IT systems. 

You will need to follow pre procurement tasks:

  • issue a formal invitation to tender to suppliers
  • score solutions
  • issue an award 

For more information go to off catalogue competitions page.

8. Running an off catalogue competition

This section outlines the process for running an off catalogue competition. It explains what you need to consider and provides information for each stage of the competition.

For more information go to running an off catalogue competition.

9. Placing your order

This section outlines how to create and submit an order using the Buying Catalogue.

For more information go to placing your order page.

10. Adding organisations and solutions to your order

This section outlines how to add your organisations, solutions and services to your order.

For more information go to the adding organisations and solutions to your order page.

11. Reviewing and completing your order

This section outlines the process for finalising and completing your order. Depending on what decisions you have made, you may not have to complete all the steps.

For more information go to the reviewing and completing your order page.

12. Amending a completed order

This section outlines how to make amendments to an order placed via the Buying Catalogue. 

For more information go to the amending a completed order page. 

13. Mergers and splits

There are two ways to request a merger or split. 

For more information go to the mergers and splits page. 

Last edited: 23 March 2026 9:16 am

Chapters

  1. Buyers guide
  2. Pre procurement tasks
  3. Choosing a procurement route
  4. Direct award
  5. Running a direct award
  6. On catalogue competitions
  7. Running an on catalogue competition
  8. Off catalogue competitions
  9. Running an off catalogue competition
  10. Placing your order
  11. Adding organisations and solutions to your order
  12. Reviewing and completing your order
  13. Amending a completed order
  14. Mergers and splits