Government signals plan to establish £70m Trade Law Panel

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has given notice of its intention to establish a Trade Law Panel worth an estimated £70m.

The CCS said the panel would provide legal services relating to international trade, to be utilised by UK Central Government Departments and their associated bodies.

Key specialisms may include:

(i) compliance with the law of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and trade agreements;

(ii) advice and services relating to the negotiation and implementation of trade agreements; and

(iii) the conduct of disputes under WTO and trade agreement dispute mechanisms.

Services may be required across a range of international jurisdictions.

The lotting structure of the framework will be determined as a result of market engagement, the CCS added.

It said it intends to hold market engagement sessions in January and February 2020 with suppliers interested in potentially bidding for the resulting framework contracts.