The European Court of Justice has found in favour of the German government in an EU procurement case that gives hopes to councils and developers in the UK.
Yesterday, the ECJ delivered its verdict in the case of Helmut Müller v Bundesanstalt für Immobilienaufgaben, the agency that manages German government property.
Müller challenged the sale of 24ha of former army barracks land saying that it needed to be sold through the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). The court found that this deal did not need to be procured as a …

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) has today launched the search for a development partner for a £1bn redevelopment of the New Covent Garden Market in Vauxhall, London.
CGMA has issued a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union this month and hopes to secure a partner by July 2011. Drivers Jonas Deloitte is advising CGMA on the process.
The proposal for the 57 acre site includes the construction of a fresh produce market on the site of the existing market in Vauxhall, on the south bank of the river Thames. …

Crossrail Limited has today invited expressions of interest for its final tunnel boring contract for the cross-London rail project Crossrail.
The company published the notice for Package C310 in the Official Journal of the European Union. The work comprises the construction of two 6.2m diameter bored tunnels from Plumstead to North Woolwich, at a length of almost 2.6km.
The work includes reviewing designs during pre-construction to make it more buildable, and the construction of tunnels under the Thames.
Rob Holden, chief executive officer of Crossrail, said that this notice meant Crossrail was now …

What it is: The Office of Government Commerce has launched guidance for public sector procurers and private sector developers on the Remedies Directive, new rules on EU procurement that entered UK law on 20 December 2009.
When it came out: 7 January 2010
Why it is important: These three guidance documents explain the impact of new rules that make it easier for losing bidders for Official Journal of European Union contracts to challenge the contract award.
To read the full guidance click on the links below:
OGC Remedies Directive guidance – part one
OGC Remedies …

What it is: On 20 December 2009, the Remedies Directive became UK law. Law firm Davies Arnold Cooper has released a briefing note on its impact.
When it came out: 21 December 2009
Why it is important: The Remedies Directive is part of the Official Journal of the European Union procurement process that gives losing bidders more power to challenge contracts awarded by public sector bodies.
To read the full briefing click here: Remedies Directive – Davies Arnold Cooper

The European Union has given companies more power to challenge publicly procured contracts in new rules that entered UK law today.
Today, the EU introduced the Remedies Directive, which helps the losing bidders to challenge contracts awarded through the Official Journal of the European Union. Legal experts warn the changes give more powers to losing parties to delay the award of contracts.
The directive could slow down the OJEU process because public sector bodies will be more cautious that their procurement procedures comply with the new rules.
Helen Meyler, partner at law firm …