The Low Value Purchase System provides public‑sector organisations with a compliant, streamlined way to buy below‑threshold common goods and services, combining regulatory alignment with flexible entry, dynamic filtering and standardised template.
The Low Value Purchase System (LVPS) gives public sector organisations a way to buy common goods and services that fall below procurement thresholds.
Running from 17 March 2021 to 31 March 2027, the LVPS provides a route to market for below threshold common goods and services.
The Low Value Purchase System (LVPS) is a CCS-run route created under Part 4 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. It is designed for suppliers that can deliver non medical goods or services where the contract value sits below the thresholds that would normally trigger the Part 2 rules.
CCS established the LVPS to give public sector organisations a compliant way to buy below threshold, non medical common goods and services. Buyers can use the system to award a contract instead of posting the opportunity on Contracts Finder, provided the requirement fits within the scope of the LVPS.
Benefits
The Low Value Purchase System (LVPS) offers a range of practical benefits for public sector organisations that need to buy low cost, low volume or low complexity goods and services. It is designed to provide a straightforward route to market for requirements that do not justify a lengthy or resource intensive procurement process. By giving buyers a simple mechanism for sourcing common, non medical goods and services, the LVPS helps reduce administrative effort while still ensuring that purchases are made in a compliant and transparent way.
One of the core advantages of the LVPS is its flexibility. Suppliers are able to join the system at any point, rather than waiting for a fixed application window. This creates a more open and responsive marketplace, where new providers can enter as soon as they are ready. It also supports the government’s wider policy aims around increasing opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). By lowering barriers to entry and making it easier for smaller organisations to participate, the LVPS contributes to a more diverse and resilient supply chain.
Social Value
The system also plays a role in delivering Social Value outcomes. In particular, it helps strengthen supply chain capacity by encouraging participation from a broad mix of suppliers, including new businesses, entrepreneurs, SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs). This diversity supports long term resilience and gives buyers access to a wider range of skills and capabilities.
A further benefit is the dynamic filtering system built into the LVPS. Buyers can refine their search based on the type of goods or services they need, the supplier’s SME status and their location. These filters ensure that only relevant suppliers are notified about opportunities, improving the quality of responses and reducing unnecessary communication for both buyers and suppliers.
Buying
The LVPS is fully compliant with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and aligns with Procurement Policy Note 11/20 on reserving below threshold procurements. Standard contract templates are provided to make the process easier for buyers. Direct award is permitted within the regulations, although organisations must still ensure they follow their own internal procurement policies.
In summary, the Low Value Purchase System provides a clear, compliant and accessible route for public sector organisations to buy below threshold common goods and services. By combining regulatory alignment with practical tools such as dynamic filtering, standardised templates and an open entry supplier model, it offers a streamlined alternative to more resource intensive procurement processes. Its design supports wider government aims around SME participation, supply chain diversity and social value, while still giving buyers the assurance that their purchases meet the requirements of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Taken together, these features make the LVPS a practical and dependable option for managing low-value, low-complexity procurement needs across the public sector.
