2.15 The bidding community is most concerned about inappropriate use of the Competitive Dialogue procedure, rising bid costs,1 extended procurement timetables and reduced scope for innovation, particularly where the process drives convergence between design solutions.
2.16 The skills and capacity required to manage Competitive Dialogue procurements can generally be found only in larger suppliers and/or those working in a market with a programme of delivery which brings opportunities to engage in repeat procurements.
2.17 Small and medium sized enterprises may lack the skills and knowledge to use Competitive Dialogue effectively and may lack the depth of resources (including financial) to undertake such procurements. Many perceive the use of Competitive Dialogue as a barrier to entry into supplying the public sector. Contracting authorities should be particularly mindful of Government measures announced on 1 November 2010 to help the five million small firms in the UK grow and boost enterprise across Britain.2
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1 Particularly design costs as multiple bidders are designing projects to the level of detail (i.e. 1:50 drawings) that previously would have been left to the preferred bidder.