Construction National

The new Central Digital Platform: What you need to know

The government is set to launch its Central Digital Platform (CDP) in February 2025, aligning with the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023. Contrary to some misconceptions, the CDP does not replace the need for supplier prequalification, but it is being billed as a significant step in modernising public services, streamlining procurement activities, and opening new opportunities for suppliers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ian McKinnon, Chief Product Officer, Veriforce CHAS shares what you need to know. 

What is the Central Digital Platform?

The Central Digital Platform is designed to offer a centralised, comprehensive digital hub where all government procurement activities can be monitored and managed efficiently. It aims to simplify and improve the procurement process by providing a single location for both contracting authorities and suppliers.

Each supplier will be assigned a unique identifier upon registration, allowing for seamless tracking and management of procurement activities. This identifier will be used across the platform to ensure consistent and reliable data handling.

Key features and benefits of the Central Digital Platform

1. Simplified supplier registration and data sharing

The CDP embraces a "Tell Us Once" approach, meaning suppliers only need to submit their core information once during registration. This data is then stored securely and made available for reuse in multiple tenders, saving time and reducing administrative burdens. Suppliers will be required to submit:

• Basic information: Name, address, VAT number, legal form, company registration details, relevant qualifications, and classification (e.g., SME, VCSE, or public mutual).
• Economic and financial standing: Recent financial accounts.
• Connected persons information: Details about individuals or organisations with significant control over the supplier.
• Exclusion grounds: Records of relevant convictions or exclusions as outlined in the Procurement Act.

This "Tell Us Once" approach also benefits contracting authorities by ensuring consistent and accurate supplier data is available, reducing the need for repeated information requests.

2. Increased access for smaller suppliers


By providing a clearer understanding of buyer expectations and simplifying the bidding process, the CDP aims to level the playing field for smaller businesses, giving them better access to public sector opportunities.

3. Efficiency and transparency

The platform supports contracting authorities in publishing supplier identifiers and collecting consistent data, fostering transparency and reducing administrative burdens. There is no requirement for contracting authorities to use the Central Digital Platform to collect supplier information in below-threshold procurement, and the publication of supplier identifiers is optional in below-threshold notices. However, there is nothing preventing the contracting authority from requiring supplier information to be submitted in a below-threshold procurement. If known, contracting authorities should include supplier identifiers.

What the Central Digital Platform doesn’t do

While the CDP is designed to offer many benefits, as emphasised earlier, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for prequalification. Contracting authorities must still conduct their own due diligence to verify supplier eligibility and ensure compliance with transparency and contract award notice requirements.

Consequently, prequalification standards, and in particular, the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite) remain vital to the qualification process for government tenders. In fact, an update to the Standard Selection Questionnaire introduced in March 2024 signalled the phasing out of PAS 91 in favour of the Common Assessment Standard, highlighting its growing importance in public procurement. More recently, the Crown Commercial Service confirmed that suppliers applying to its new Construction Works and Associated Services Framework, which will run from October 2026 until October 2034 and is worth up to £80 billion, must be certified to the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite). One of the key advantages of the Common Assessment Standard is its ongoing review and updates, ensuring it remains aligned with the latest standards and legislation. This year, the standard will be updated twice to reflect the requirements of the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Procurement Act 2023, which takes effect on 24 February 2025.

Preparing for registration

All contracting authorities and suppliers must register on the Central Digital Platform upon its launch, even if they are already registered on Find a Tender. Suppliers are encouraged to begin gathering the necessary information now to streamline their registration process. 

The "Tell Us Once" system means that once registered, suppliers can review and reuse their data for future tenders, reducing duplication of effort and improving overall efficiency.

Looking ahead

It is hoped that the Central Digital Platform will help to transform public procurement, combining modern technology with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity.

While contracting authorities will still need to undertake due diligence, the platform should simplify much of the groundwork, allowing all parties to focus on the quality and value of procurement outcomes. As February 2025 approaches, suppliers and contracting authorities should familiarise themselves with the CDP and prepare for its requirements to take full advantage of its potential benefits.

Find out more at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-short-guides/central-digital-platform-factsheet-html