UK Procurement Glossary
Standstill Period
A mandatory 10 working-day pause between award decision and contract signature, during which unsuccessful bidders can challenge the decision.
Definition
The standstill period is a mandatory pause between a UK public sector buyer's award decision and the actual contract signature. For above-threshold procurements it lasts 10 working days from the award notification. Unsuccessful bidders use this window to request feedback and (if appropriate) challenge the award decision before the contract is signed.
The standstill exists to give losing bidders a meaningful opportunity to challenge procedural defects before the buyer is contractually bound. It is a key supplier remedy under UK procurement law.
How this affects your bid
Request scoring feedback within the standstill period — buyers must provide it. Use the feedback to improve future bids, even if you don't intend to challenge the award.
Common questions about standstill period
When does the standstill apply?
For above-threshold UK public sector procurements. Below-threshold and most framework call-offs don't require formal standstill, though some buyers apply it voluntarily.
What happens if I challenge during standstill?
The buyer must consider your challenge before signing. If proceedings are issued in court, the contract signature is automatically suspended pending resolution.
Related terms
Award Criteria
The published criteria a UK public sector buyer uses to evaluate and score bid response…
Restricted Procedure
A two-stage UK public sector procurement: suppliers first pass a Selection Questionnair…
Procurement Act 2023
The UK's post-Brexit reform of public sector procurement law, in force from 24 February…
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