Recommendation 19

The Cabinet Office told us that particularly in defence and similar areas, departments might say, “I know who would be bidding for that”. The challenge then is to go out into the international market or look into the smaller providers to provide a realistic challenge against the incumbent or the obvious bidder. There are a mix of things that are general improvements to the thin market problem; and the Cabinet Office is focusing on sectors where it sees an excessive concentration.35 29 Q 13 30 C&AG’s Report, para 3.8 31 Q 14 32 C&AG’s Report, para 3.17 33 Q 22 34 Q 19 35 Q 23 Competition in public procurement 13 Guidance on using framework agreements