Circular 05/2023: Initiatives to Assist SMEs in Public Procurement which was issued today, 28 March 2023.  This circular has been developed by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) following an extensive consultation process involving both public bodies and SME representatives. It is designed to further enable SMEs to compete for public contracts and replaces Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 10/2014.

The circular sets out positive measures for contracting authorities to take to promote SME participation in public procurement. Included amongst the measures are increases to the national advertising thresholds for goods, services and works.

The OGP has created a dedicated webpage where public bodies can find further information on the circular, including FAQs.